Tulosta

Treasure Chain


Item no.: 1488
Product group:  Earrings
Location of discovery: Hämeenlinna
Period: 1000-1100
Product group: Treasure Chain

Material: bronze silver 
Width: 15,0 mm 15,0 mm 
Height: 22 mm 22 mm 
Mechanism: hook hook 

The prototypes for the necklace?s dangles derive from caches hidden in the ground a thousand years ago. In troubled times, people often hid their valuables underground, although the caches might also have had religious significance. This necklace incorporates the most attractive dangles discovered as hidden treasure. The bird has long been considered both a symbol of fertility and a messenger between man and the gods. The bird in this necklace is modelled on a small silver bird found from Hattula in Luurila. The models for the rhombus-shaped pendant and the heart motif probably derive from eastern ferrules. The design of the crescent-shaped pendant was originally borrowed from areas under Roman rule, where religious symbolism very probably attached to it.