Tulosta

Paradise


Item no.: 218/1
Product group:  Earrings
Location of discovery: Janakkala
Period: 700-800
Product group: Paradise

Material: bronze 
Width: 17,0 mm 
Height: 29 mm 
Mechanism: hook 

Two long-necked birds, presumably peacocks, have been immortalised to adorn this stunning necklace. Peacocks were considered residents of paradise – symbols of heavenly splendour and immortality. A stemmed basin containing the elixir of life is located below the birds. The arched edge of this piece of jewellery is believed to symbolise a church vault. The piece features the symbol of paradise in early Christian art, in which paradise was the dominion of the heavens.