RARE ANTIQUE 10 - 13th CENTURY VIKING - STYLE BELL ZOOMORPHIC " HORSE " AMULET PENDANT
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:744982 | Country/Region of Manufacture: Unknown |
| Religion/Faith: Norse Paganism |
Authentic ancient pagan zoomorphic "horse" amulet pendant with a small hole through the horse's back that was likely used to make a string of multiple pendants of similar design on a single rope attached to a necklace or a garment, and two hanging bells attached to the figurine. Multiple bells hanging from such amulets were supposed to make noise driving away evil spirits. Exact age is unknown; similar objects found in Northern Russia, Baltic and Scandinavian states are often called "V...iking" and are dated c.10th-13th century (please see the last two pictures). The amulet appears to be handmade from bronze or similar copper alloy. It shows signs of wear due to very old age: some parts may be missing, cracked, chipped off or having dents, deformed, and covered with original uncleaned green patina. The size of the item is shown on the photographs for this listing. This is a collectible antique item; it is not recommended for wearing as jewelry due to potential fragility.
Ethnographic studies suggest that a horse was a popular object in medieval Slavic amulet paganism serving as a symbol of goodness, wealth and happiness. In ancient Slavic mythology, a horse is a symbol of fertility and resurrection with a power to travel to the world of the dead and return back. In addition, a horse was revered as an attribute of Svetovid, a god of war, fertility and abundance.
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 buyers, please ask me for a shipping quote 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.
Ethnographic studies suggest that a horse was a popular object in medieval Slavic amulet paganism serving as a symbol of goodness, wealth and happiness. In ancient Slavic mythology, a horse is a symbol of fertility and resurrection with a power to travel to the world of the dead and return back. In addition, a horse was revered as an attribute of Svetovid, a god of war, fertility and abundance.
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 buyers, please ask me for a shipping quote 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.
