Medieval Bronze Cross Pendant - 'Rotunda' (9th–12th c. CE)

This Medieval bronze cross pendant, 'Rotunda', carries nine ring-and-dot ornaments across a Latin cross with budded terminals, a protective sign worn against the body. An integral cast loop at the top completes the pendant.

The Motif:
The obverse bears nine recessed concentric circles, two on each arm and one at the crossing, each a punched ring enclosing a central dot. The arms end in rounded buds flanked by small triangular cusps at the junctions, giving the cross a flowering silhouette. The reverse is left plain. Ring-and-dot is one of the most widespread ornaments of the Medieval world and was read as a protective eye or sun sign, here multiplied across a cross as a Christian charm carried on the body.

Details:
Era: Medieval
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: Overall height: 44 mm; Width: 33 mm; Thickness: 2 mm
Condition: Complete with intact suspension loop; even green and earthen patina across the flat plate; light surface wear with the ring-and-dot ornaments well defined on the obverse and the reverse smooth and plain.
Provenance: Private collection of A.A., Copenhagen, Denmark; previously acquired on the German art market; originally from the Levant.
Unique Identifier: CP-61-B
Authenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity

Restoration and Authenticity:
This piece is preserved in its untouched state, showing natural aging and patina from centuries of burial and wear. For those who prefer a refreshed look, a professional restoration service is available, reviving original detail while respecting historical integrity.
If you’d like to book a restoration, simply add the restoration option along with your order or book it as the additional product in my shop.
A Certificate of Authenticity is included.

Historical Context:
Flat cast pendant crosses of this family were produced in quantity during the Medieval centuries, cut or cast from thin bronze plate and finished with punched ornament rather than figural engraving. Budded or lobed arm terminals and ring-and-dot decoration belong to a long tradition of personal crosses worn on a cord at the neck, serving as everyday devotional objects and amulets. The ring-and-dot sign carried old apotropaic meanings alongside its Christian setting, so that each punched eye reinforced the protective sense of the cross itself.

Worn at the neck, the cross pendant placed faith and a guarding sign close to the wearer's heart.

Explore more Medieval cross pendants from our collection.