This is a very rare Viking whetstone of slate,
dating around 900-1000 a.d.
A whetstone is a stone, used to sharpen metal weapons
and tools such as axes, swords, knives, scissors, needles etc.
They may vary in material, shape and size.
In the Viking age slate was in demand
and a huge export from Norway took place.
Small whetstones were often worn as pendants.
The name "whetstone" comes from the practice of grinding
an edge on a blade using water to "wet" or "whet" the edge.
Sometimes the name "slipstone" is also used
to describe a similar thing.
Vikings carried a whetstone with them to
sharpen weapons and tools when needed.
Provenance is an old Danish collection.
More details will follow the artifact.
I guarantee absolutely for the authenticity
of this terrific and rare whet stone.
Please view also my other auctions with
relics from the European Prehistory.