Northern Europe / Central Asia, Finno-Ugric culture, ca. 5th to 11th century CE. An incredible example of a bronze torc (torq, torque) and dangling pendant, made to be worn by a high status member of this fascinating society. Size of torc: 7.8" W (19.8 cm) Size of pendant: 3.2" L x 1.1" W (8.1 cm x 2.8 cm)

The torc itself is a curved cylinder with banded lines giving it a spiral appearance on both sides, and a smoothed appearance around the middle of the torc. One terminal is a loop and the other is squared off to form a catch (although the torc is bent enough that a catch is not really needed). The cylinder is relatively heavy and thick. The pendant, meanwhile, is gorgeously ornate, of the dangling or ringing pendant style found in the territory of the Maris, along the Volga and Kama rivers in Russia. A large loop with a latticework and rope-like pattern holds the pendant on the torque; cast onto this are three loops. These act as supports for three dangling chains composed of a loop-flat-loop elements and another loop-flat element. The flattened portions are stamped with patterns of interlocking swirls. These dangling chains were a common style in this period across central Asia and into northern Europe, designed to make a jangling noise and catch the eye.

Provenance: Ex-Private Colorado collection

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#117467

Beautiful blue-green patina overall.