Viking Bearded Mask Bead: The Face of Metal
Specifications
| Color | Bronze |
| Material | Zinc alloy, patinated bronze finish |
| Dimensions | Height: 10 mm | Diameter: 8 mm | Hole: 6 mm |
| For | Unisex |
- For: men and women (adults)
- Zinc alloy, patinated bronze finish
- 6 mm hole · worn on a beard or hair braid
- Sold individually, height 10 mm, diameter 8 mm
- Free shipping from 49€ · secure payment
A face, not a tube — the standout piece of the series
This beard and hair bead is unlike any other in our range: instead of an engraved cylinder, it is a bearded mask made of bronze-patinated alloy, with large round eyes, a drooping moustache, and a chin framed by interlace patterns. The hole runs through the back of the piece.
Find this model in our collection of Viking beads for beard and hair.
What sets this beard bead apart
- The only figurative piece in the series: it is meant to be worn alone, at the end of a braid, whereas tubes are often worn in multiples.
- Its relief is significantly more pronounced than that of the cylindrical beads — it is a small sculpture, not just an engraving.
- A bead to thread, not a clasp: the bead slides onto the lock of hair before braiding. The thickness of the braid is what holds it in place, so there are no parts that can break.
- Hole diameter of approx. 6 mm: the only criterion that truly matters. It should be slightly narrower than the finished braid, and slightly wider than the loose lock of hair.
Specifications
- Material: Zinc alloy, bronze-patinated finish
- Inner hole diameter: approx. 6 mm
- Dimensions: approx. 10 mm high, 8 mm in diameter
- Wear: beard, moustache, or hair, on a braided plait
- Sold: individually
Did you know?
Bearded masks are a real motif in Scandinavian art: they can be found on the Sigtuna runestone in Sweden, on metal fittings and pendants, and one of the most famous adorns a clasp from the Oseberg ship. They are often associated with Odin, though no source explicitly confirms this: they are faces, and their identity remains open to interpretation. This type of mask is sometimes labeled as "Slavic"; however, the ornamental vocabulary — the interlace, the treatment of the face — belongs to Scandinavian art, and that is how we present it.
To learn more, our Viking hairstyle guide details cuts, braids, and beards with supporting sources, and our Elder Futhark alphabet guide covers each sign one by one.
Complete your series
What does this mask depict?
A bearded face, a motif that is well attested in Scandinavian art — the Sigtuna stone, metal fittings, pendants, the Oseberg clasp. It is often associated with Odin, but no ancient source says so.
Is this a Slavic or a Viking bead?
It is sometimes presented as Slavic. Yet its ornamental vocabulary — knotwork, the treatment of the face — belongs to Scandinavian art, and we present it for what it shows.
Is it worn like the other beads?
Yes, but its figurative design suits it best at the end of a braid, on its own. Engraved tube beads, on the other hand, line up well several at a time on the same braid.
What strand thickness does this bead fit?
The hole runs through the piece from the back and measures about 6 mm, suited to a beard braid of medium thickness.
Delivery — Allow 7 to 15 business days for mainland France, 10 to 20 days for the European Union. Free delivery on orders over €49.
Delivery guarantee — If your parcel is not delivered within 60 business days, we will provide an immediate reshipment or a full refund.
14-day returns — You have 14 calendar days from receipt to request an exchange or refund. The item must be returned within this period, in its original packaging.
Legal guarantees — All our products are covered by the legal guarantee of conformity and the guarantee against hidden defects, in accordance with the Consumer Code and the Civil Code.
