Polyhedron Penannular Brooch from Klintegarda

Description

During Viking Age and medieval times, penannular brooches, also called horseshoe brooches, were used to close a cape or cloak on the right shoulder. This brooch is plated with genuine silver, and it is a detailed replica of a Viking brooch found in the village of Lilla Klintegårda in Gotland, Sweden.

This type of ring brooch is called a polyhedron brooch because of the polygonal, bevelled ends of the brooch. The polygonal ends of these brooches are very typical for the Eastern Scandinavian. It has been debated whether these brooches could have been used to express the wearer’s identification as a merchant or the merchant’s guild, however no conclusive answer has been made.

The polyhedron brooch was widespread in the Viking Age, mainly in the Baltic region between the 9th and 11th centuries. Such horseshoe brooches are known from various sites, such as Papinsaari in Finland, Vindelgransele in Sweden, Haithabu in Germany and Ladoga Lake in Russia.

• A highly detailed replica of a penannular polyhedron brooch found in the village of Lilla Klintegårda in Gotland, Sweden
• Plated with genuine silver
• Diameter: 7 x 5.5 x 1.5 cm
• Needle length: 9.5 cm
• Widespread and well known brooch, especially popular in Balric regions: Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Baltics
• Perfect decorative accessory for authentic outfit in Viking reenactment