Provenance and authenticity documentation available for every piece.
Early Medieval Bronze Anthropomorphic Pendant – “Svar” (9th–12th c. AD)
Material:
Era:
- Medieval
Rarity:
Description
A rare early medieval bronze pendant depicting a stylized human face with deeply carved eyes, brows, and cheek-lines. Cast in one piece with an integral suspension loop, it reflects the characteristic craftsmanship of Baltic and early Slavic workshops. Such anthropomorphic amulets were worn as personal protective charms, invoking ancestral guardianship and spiritual safeguarding during the pagan era preceding full Christianization.
Details
Material: Bronze
Date: Early Medieval, 9th–12th century AD
Dimensions: Length c. 30 mm; Width c. 15 mm
Provenance: Private Belgian collection, acquired in the 1960s
Unique Identifier: P-28-B
Condition: Very good ancient condition with stable brown patina, light wear, suspension loop intact
Restoration and Authenticity
This pendant has been preserved in its original archaeological state with only minimal cleaning to ensure stability. A restoration service is available for those who would like a refreshed appearance while maintaining historical integrity. A Certificate of Authenticity is included.
Historical Context
Anthropomorphic pendants were widespread across Baltic and Slavic regions in the 9th–12th centuries, often found in warrior graves and personal assemblages. Their simplified human faces symbolized protective spirits, ancestral presence, or local deities. These amulets represent a distinct regional tradition separate from Roman or Byzantine models, reflecting the spiritual world of early medieval pagan Europe.
Care
To maintain the beauty and integrity of your purchase, we recommend treating it with care. Simple maintenance practices, such as gentle washing and proper storage, can effectively preserve the longevity of your favorites. We encourage you to refer to the care instructions included with each item, designed to help you keep your purchase in top condition.
Authenticity
Each artifact we offer has been carefully examined by qualified professionals to ensure its authenticity. Our assessment considers historical style, craftsmanship, materials, and the wider typology of comparable pieces.
Because historical scholarship evolves, we offer a lifelong authenticity guarantee: if two independent, accredited laboratories ever determine that an item is not genuine, we will refund you in full.
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The EU size of this ring is:
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Delivery Times & Processing
We prepare and ship most orders within 2–5 business days.
Delivery times depend on your location:
- EU orders: usually arrive within 1–5 business days.
- Non-EU orders: shipping typically takes 3–14 business days once dispatched.
- Export documents: Some antiquities require official export paperwork before shipping, which can take 2–8 weeks depending on the item and the issuing authority.
All orders are fully insured and you will receive tracking information as soon as your shipment is on its way.