Baltic Decorated Bronze Bracelet

9TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.

3 3/4 in. (157 grams, 95 mm).

With flange to both rims and bifacial ornament, bands of punched pellet and saltire detailing to the edges of each face and the outer rim, pointillé chevron, pellet and other motifs flanking the gap and on the hoop opposite; Latvian-Baltic type. [No Reserve]

Provenance

From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

Literature

Cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.CVII (28); Latvian Academy of Culture, Catalogue of Endangered Latvian Archaeological Artefacts, Riga, 2016, p.6, no.9.

Footnotes

The warrior bracelets were very often decorated with symbols of divinities. The zig-zag line here visible are the symbol of Mara, the deity of earth and water and all the creatures within. An insight into her position within the ancient beliefs abound in dainas, and are just as often visually reflected in Latvian ornamental design. This symbol dates back to the Iron Age.

CONDITION

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LOT 1457