"This 10th century image was developed from a decorative, carved elk-horn reliquary casket crafted by Viking artisans. The lion, symbolizing kingship, was a favorite subject of Western and Southern European artists from classical times. As the Viking raids brought them in greater contact with these cultures, they adopted their symbols of power. Since the Viking artisan who carved this piece had in all likelihood never seen a lion, he would have used more familiar animals as his model--hence the creature's somewhat canine aspect. "