Figure pendant

Unusual silver figure pendant, in the shape of an oval man's head from the sides of which two long arms with outsize hands are extend at ear height. The face of the figure is detailed with styled hair, large bulbous eyes, straight nose, well-groomed moustache and open mouth. The chin is pointed, suggesting a goatee beard. The fingers of the figure are rendered schematically. The grave plan shows that the pendant was one of several in a large woman's bead set. It is unclear who is being depicted; it could be an early Scandinavian Christ image, welcoming new and old believers with outstretched arms. Grave find, Birka, Bj 649, Adelsö Parish, Uppland.

Image rights: Myrin, Ola/SHM (Creative Commons Erkännande 4.0 Internationell Publik Licens)
Object number: 108918_HST


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