Preview
Creation Date
11th century (?)
Geography
Kyiv, Ukraine
Culture
Kyivan Rus'
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
1 7/8 × 1 1/4 in. (3.5×1.6 cm)
0.31 oz. (8.8 g)
Credit Line
Bequest of David P. Harris ('46), 2020
Accession Number
2020.182
Provenance
Purchased by David P. Harris from Chris Martin-Zakheim (Iconastas) in London on September 14, 2015. Said to have been found in the Dnieper River near Kiev.
Condition
The object is worn along the sides and on the relief. The top of the suspension loop has broken off and the right side of the object is worn down. 02/20/2025
Description
This bronze pendant features a depiction of an equestrian saint on the front while the back is bare, except for a spot in which one can see where the suspension loop is soldered. The saint, who may be identified as Saint George, rides astride his horse while impaling what appears to be a dragon with his spear on the bottom of the pendant. The suspension loop at the top is now broken off. The pendant shows significant wear, particularly on the front and right side; it is plausible that this is due to consistent rubbing and prolonged use. The pendant was said to have been excavated from the mud in the Dnieper River near Kyiv. If it dates to the eleventh century, the pendant would come from the principality of Kyivan Rus.’