Pendant

Silver pendant depicting a female figure in profile. Her hair is styled in a braided knot at the neck which appears to run over one shoulder and down over her chest. Her hands are held together or clasped over her chest. Her ankle length dress is highly patterned or ornamented. An oblong undecorated part down her side indicates that she was also wearing a long shawl over her shoulders. This pendant has commonly been interpreted as a Valkyrie, but it is perhaps more likely that it depicts an aristocratic lady in all her pomp. Grave find, Birka, Bj 968, Adelsö Parish, Uppland. The pendant was very likely made in Birka, as forge moulds with this motif have been found during excavations there.

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

Object number: 108916_HST

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