Viking Bear Paw Bead: The Mark of the Berserker
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 raised relief — the only animal motif in the aisle
A slightly convex beard and hair bead, made of bronze-patinated alloy, featuring a bear paw in high relief on its face: the pad and five claws, sculpted rather than engraved. No other piece in the aisle stands out from the surface as much as this one.
Find this model in our Viking beard and hair bead collection.
What sets this beard bead apart
- A relief significantly higher than the recessed engravings of the rest of the series: you can feel it under your finger.
- The only animal motif in the aisle, and the only one that is neither a rune nor an interlace.
- A slider, not a clasp: the bead slides onto the lock before braiding. It is the thickness of the braid that keeps it in place, so there is nothing that can break.
- Approx. 6 mm bore: 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
- Internal bore: approx. 6 mm
- Dimensions: approx. 10 mm in height, 8 mm in diameter
- Wear: beard, mustache, or hair, on a braided lock
- Sold: individually
Did you know?
The bear is the animal that gave its name to the berserkir—literally "bear shirts," according to the most widely accepted etymology. Snorri Sturluson describes them in the Ynglinga saga as men who went into battle without armor, bit their shields, and were strong "like bears or bulls." As for the bear claw, it is an actual object found in tombs: several have been discovered in Scandinavian burials, drilled and worn as pendants—a well-documented practice, unlike many motifs sold as Viking.
To learn more, our Viking hairstyle guide details cuts, braids, and beards with supporting sources, and our Futhark alphabet guide covers each sign one by one.
Complete your set
What does this design depict?
A bear paw in relief: the pad and five claws. It is the only animal motif in our bead range.
Is there a link with the berserkers?
The name berserkr most likely means “bear shirt.” Snorri describes them as fighters without armor, as strong as bears. Pierced bear claws have also been found in Scandinavian graves.
How does this bead differ from the others?
Its motif is sculpted in high relief, not engraved into the surface like the runes. The body is also slightly bulging rather than strictly cylindrical.
What braid thickness does this bead fit?
The hole measures about 6 mm, which suits a medium-density beard braid or a thin braid of hair.
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.
