Viking bronze cross pendant — Viking Age
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- Viking Age Bronze Cross Pendant
- Scandinavia or the Baltic region, circa AD 900–1000
- Bronze, size 3.3 cm x 2.1 cm x 0.2 cm
- Condition: Good. Suspension loop intact. Natural patina present.
This openwork, frame-mounted cross pendant represents a jewellery type characteristic of the later Viking Age, in which Christian and pre-Christian symbolism coexist. The form, with four arms joined to a circular frame, is particularly recognisable from 10th-century burial finds in the coastal regions of Denmark, Sweden, and the Baltic.
The slightly irregular circular frame and the heart-shaped apertures within the arms recall the tradition of the solar cross, although the object was most likely intended for use as a Christian cross pendant.
The pendant has been cast as a single piece, and the suspension loop survives intact. The surface displays a consistent greenish-brown patina indicative of natural ageing.
Provenance
Acquired in Europe from an established antiques dealer in 2024. The previous owner was a private collector who obtained the piece in Europe in the 1990s.
Provenance chain:
- Private collection (Europe, 1990s)
- Gallery / antiques dealer (Europe, 2024)
- Eid Mar Auctions GmbH, Austria
Symbolic significance
During the Viking Age, the cross functioned not only as a Christian emblem but also as a protective symbol. It represented the four cardinal directions and the structure of the cosmos, with divine force understood to pass through its centre. The surrounding frame enclosing the cross may be interpreted as a boundary of the universe — a form associated with balance and order. Such pendants have been interpreted both as personal amulets and as symbols of faith, and evidence from Viking Age sources and burial finds indicates that Christian and pre-Christian symbols were at times worn side by side. This protective and balancing cross unites the symbolism of light and direction with the early spread of Christianity in Scandinavia.
Please note: This cast bronze cross is an old, well-used individual object. Minor surface imperfections may be present, including oxidation, small fractures, knocks, and signs of wear.
