Coin pendant

Pendant made from a Nordic silver coin minted in the middle of the 9th century, probably in the Jutland trading centre Ribe. One of two similar pendants in the girl’s bead set. The motif on one side depicts a backward-looking deer, probably symbolising Christ. In the centre of the other side there is a highly stylised face with unkempt hair, probably a 'demon mask", over what appears to be a hillock. The composition with two motifs is reminiscent of the one with deer and beast of prey created in three dimensions on the "Paradise brooch", either round in silver or equal-armed in bronze, cf. Display Case E_23. Grave find, Birka, Bj 508, Adelsö Parish, Uppland.

Image rights: Ola Myrin, Historiska museet/SHM (CC BY 4.0)

Object number: 300050_KMK

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