Description: Antique medieval larger (approx. 1-1/4" tall with bale) Cross pendant from early Christian period featuring ancient "budded" design of the crossbar ends and a diamond-shaped centerpiece displaying small icons, one on each side, likely representing the Savior and His Blessed Mother. The Cross appears to have been hand made from bronze or similar historical copper alloy. Similar objects are often called "Viking" crosses and are dated c.11-12th century (according to the available literature; please see the last two pictures for a reference). They are believed to have traveled across Europe during the Viking Age, a period of Nordic military, mercantile and demographic expansion via the trade route called "From the Varangians to the Greeks" connecting Scandinavia, Baltic countries, Kievan Rus and the Byzantine Empire. The diamond or "lozenge" shape of the centerpiece might be associated with the decorative pattern dated as far back as the Neolithic and Paleolithic period in Eastern Europe, which is believed to represent a sown field and female fertility. The ancient lozenge pattern often shows up in Diamond vault architecture, in traditional dress patterns of Slavic peoples, and in traditional Ukrainian embroidery. The lozenge pattern also appears extensively in Celtic art. The item shows visible signs of wear and aging consistent with the suggested age such as deformations, dents, corroded or chipped off particles, scratches and original uncleaned dark patina, which likely accumulated over many centuries. The size of the pendant is shown on the photographs for this listing.Please examine all photographs carefully and do your own research if necessary. Please note that photographs are an important part of the item's description. The measuring meter and a decorative stone are not for sale, and photographed with the item in order to provide a size reference or artistic background. Please ask all questions before making a purchase. There are no guarantees with the listing because most items are original vintage or antique objects that are quite old. All items are sold "as is" with no returns because of a change of mind offered. Shipping and handling is free for the continental US. International shipping is handled by Ebay. International buyers, please ask your shipping questions, if any, prior to buying. Please note that customs regulations differ from country to country, and it is a buyer's responsibility to ensure that any customs fees or other duties collected by the buyer's country are paid and satisfied in full.
Price: 79 USD
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
End Time: 2024-09-17T00:31:15.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Type: Viking-age Cross pendant
Featured Refinements: Antique Cross
Material: Historical copper alloy
Country/Region of Manufacture: Unknown
