Crescent Pendant, Silver

Lunula or Luntisa pendant

The fragmented original was reconstructed and handcrafted by us. The beautiful, richly decorated pendant is made of solid 925 silver and has been lightly darkly patinated in the recesses so that the ornamentation is beautifully visible. It is delivered with a leather ribbon in a gift box. The size is about 24 x 24 mm.

Lunula or Lunitsa Pendant - The Original

The original piece is made of silver and comes from a private collection near Munich. After the death of the owner, the piece was sold to England. According to the heirs, the piece was found in "eastern Denmark, near a lake, probably a battlefield".
During the Viking Age, such crescent pendants were very popular, they can be found at all large settlements and trading places of that time. Especially in the Slavic areas there were large "lunitsa" pendants, often decorated with elaborate granulation ornamentation. Almost identical comparative finds can be found throughout the Baltic region.

What is surprising is the great similarity with lunula pendants from prehistoric and especially Roman times. From the 2nd century AD onwards, we encounter them in almost all Roman settlements, burial grounds and military camps. It was the symbol of the Roman moon goddess Luna, who was believed to have special powers. Children and women in particular relied on the pendant's ominous powers. In more advanced interpretations, the night star is seen as a symbol of feminine strength and identity. It stands for intuition, creativity and sensuality.