Provenance and authenticity documentation available for every piece.
Medieval Bronze Pendant 'Svar' (9th-12th c. AD)
Material:
- Bronze
Era:
- Medieval
Rarity:
- Common
Shipping & delivery times
Every piece ships from Belgium, fully insured and tracked, with its certificate of authenticity.
European Union
- Shipping is free, insured and tracked.
- Dispatched within 1–3 business days, delivered 1–3 business days later.
Outside the EU
- Shipping is a flat €95 per order, however many pieces. It covers the EU export licence and insured DHL Express (2–5 business days after dispatch).
- Every antiquity leaving the EU needs an official EU export licence. We apply for it on your behalf (included in the €95); approval takes about 3 weeks before dispatch. The licence travels with the piece and stays part of its provenance.
- Import duties and taxes are not included. They are charged on top by your country's customs.
How the export licence works · Questions before you order? Write to us and we will confirm your delivery timeline within 24 hours.
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.
What size is this ring?
The EU size of this ring is:
The US size of this ring is:
You can find information about ring sizes and how to determine your own, here.