Northern Europe, Scandinavia, pre-Viking or early Viking period (often called Migration period or Germanic Iron Age), ca. 6th to 7th century CE. A gorgeous and rare bracteate pendant, made from almost pure silver. The surface is decorated with granulated and filigreed motifs of repeated circles and bosses. The top has a folded-over loop, also decorated with filigreed circles. A modern cord is threaded through to make the piece wearable as a necklace. Pendants like this one were made to be worn around the neck as a type of amulet or sewn onto clothing, and were frequently made of melted down coinage traded north from the Mediterranean. Size of pendant: 1.05" W x 1.55" H (2.7 cm x 3.9 cm); length of cord: 20" L (50.8 cm); silver is 98%; 3.9 grams
Filigree and granulation are among the oldest goldsmithing techniques. The techniques involved include twisting silver wires and soldering incredibly tiny beads comprised of the same precious metal onto the surface of the piece of jewelry. This very complicated technique requires painstaking attention to detail that relatively few jewelers have ever mastered. Ancient civilizations such as the Mesopotamians, Greeks, and Etruscans developed the methodology; filigreed and granulated jewelry continued to be popular in the Roman empire, and was also sought after by the Slavs, Anglo-Saxons, and Vikings, remaining popular throughout the Middle Ages. In fact, modern jewelers still utilize these ancient goldsmithing techniques.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection
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#144603
Condition
Excellent condition with very slight bending to form. Dark patina on face. Ancient pendant with modern cord to make it wearable!