Northern Europe / Russia, Migration Period / Finno-Ugric / Proto-Viking, ca. 5th to 8th century CE. A fabulous, large necklace composed of a broad, crescent-shaped band of bronze, its surface incised with chevrons, and with a thin bronze sheet with stamped bosses along its length that is folded over the lower half of the band. This bronze sheet is studded along its length with loops, each with a long, cylindrical bead hanging from it, creating a dangling, chiming decoration that would have caught the light and made a fantastic sound when worn. This item would have eventually graced the grave of an elite woman. Size of complete necklace: 9.25" W x 11.45" H (23.5 cm x 29.1 cm); size of individual bead: 2" L (5.1 cm)

The crescent form was a popular one in jewelry from this time period, most famously in brooches but seen in other forms as well. Dangling beads were also a common feature, designed to catch the light and jingle pleasantly.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Lord Hamlyn collection, United Kingdom, acquired in the 1980s

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#146822

Slight bending to form. Small repair to center. Five or six of the dangling beads are lost but the vast majority are present. Most of these beads have small indentations but are in nice condition. Beautiful mottled green patina as well.