Northern / Eastern Europe, Baltic Vikings / Viking Rus, ca. 8th to 12th century CE. This is a stunning lunate pendant that is shaped from bronze into a crescent shape with a pattern of linear and raised bosses across the obverse face. The top center contained a horizontal loop for suspension, and the verso is flat. The pendant is strung in modern times on a modern cord with a lobster clasp, and is wearable! This lunar symbol was popular in the post-Roman and Migration era world- in the Roman empire girl wore "lunula" or crescent shaped amulets. Though its true meaning to later cultures is unknown, it perhaps draws inspiration from this Roman practice and protective deities such as Diana and Selene. Size of pendant: 2" L x 1" W (5.1 cm x 2.5 cm); cord: 21" L (53.3 cm)

Provenance: Private Carmichael, California, USA collection, acquired in the 1990's

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#167462

Small abrasions and shallow indentation on verso of pendant, but does not affect overall presentation. Minor surface abrasions on frontside. Some softening to motifs and dark toning / patina. Wearable and strung in modern times on a modern cord.