This charming pendant from the early Viking Age was found in Kuhmoinen, Finland, and dates back to 800–900 AD. The Viking Age pendant from Kuhmoinen depicts a pair of birds touching beaks as if it were about to kiss – a tender motif symbolising love, togetherness and connection.

The bird motif embodies protection, fertility and harmony, but also the romantic longing for closeness that has connected people throughout the ages. Even today, this pretty bird pendant can serve as a beautiful token of love for two hearts in love. The bird pair pendant from Kuhmoinen is a small masterpiece of Nordic craftsmanship that combines history, symbolism and romance

Pendants with bird motifs were widespread throughout the Baltic region during the Viking Age. Similar pieces have been discovered in Estonia (e.g. grave finds near Tartu), Latvia (grave finds in Āraiši) and other regions of Finland (Lappajärvi, Kuhmo, Turku), among others.

Like the bird pair pendant from Kuhmoinen, most finds come from hoards or burial contexts, which indicates their function as jewellery with symbolic meaning. Stylistically, Viking Age bird pendants show a simplified, symbolic representation of birds that is typical of the Iron Age and early Viking Age in the Baltic region.

Comparative finds confirm that these pendants with bird depictions were not only decorative, but also fulfilled social, cultural and ritual functions and were an integral part of the jewellery tradition of the Viking Age. 

A 1 m long black leather cord is included.

Dimensions
Area: 3.3 x 3 cm (including loop)
Material: Silver plated bronze