Northeastern Europe, Finland or Russia, Finno-Ugric people, Iron Age, ca. 7th to 10th centuries CE. A fine pair of sizeable bronze pendants, both presenting a wheel-form body with 3 suspension loops at the bottom holding spherical, bell-like adornments. The larger amulet presents 4 wheel spokes, each embellished by a braided design that meets at an elevated discoid cap in the center. A rectangular loop is featured at the top of this example, comprised of 2 vertical arms with braided patterns that are connected by a horizontal pole with button-like terminals, while 3 bell-form embellishments dangle from the bottom. Alternatively, the other pendant is comprised of 7 spokes that project gently outwards to meet at a risen, conical point that is incised with concentric circles. A flared loop extends from the top of the piece, while 2 bell-like adornments hang from the bottom. Size (of largest): 2.7" W x 5.3" H (6.9 cm x 13.5 cm)

Items from this culture are rare outside of the Russian world, and nearly all of the information published about them is in Russian. They often include stylized human figures and animal iconography, with a heavy emphasis in depiction placed on certain parts of the body, like eyes, hands, and feet. The relationship between this kind of artistic expression and that of the Perm Animal Style (also Permian Animal Style) is not currently known, but they were contemporaneous and geographically close, and have many of the same elements. These artists also seem to have been inspired by the Scytho-Siberians who came before them, and the Vikings who they would have had contact within the west.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#134697

Both have expected abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, both are intact and excellent with lovely patina and nice encrustations.