Recently Sold (PGP185)

A Celt's Faith - Ancient Celtic Circa 7th - 10th Century Bronze Cross Pendant. This rare pendant is crafted from bronze. Featuring ancient Celtic styling, and quality bronze work.  The 4 arms on this cross exhibit a wonderful raised detail on the ends. The central portion features an etched circle (a characteristic of Celtic crosses), and the entire cross has an amazing much desired aged green patina. Both sides on this fantastic piece are detailed. The bale is solid and substantial, however a contemporary bale has been added, which allows for nice movement, and less wear to the original bale.  The cross has been matched up to a contemporary bronze chain, which looks perfect with the pendant. This Ancient era scarce Museum quality antiquity is highly collectable. Indeed a very special piece for any early collection. 

History: The story of the Celts began 5,000 years ago in the nomadic steppes of Central Asia when the Kurdan people tamed the horse and then began a southward trek first into the Caucasus (Around 2400 BC) where the Indo European culture emerged, then into Anatolia from whence arose the mighty Hittite empire. 

The ancient Celts were various population groups living in several parts of Europe north of the Mediterranean region from the Late Bronze Age onwards. Given the name Celt by ancient writers, these tribes often migrated and so eventually occupied territories from Portugal to Turkey.

Both have had many differences and many similarities! Firstly, the Vikings lived in North Europe (Scandinavia mainly) while the Celts inhabited East, Central and West Europe (all the way from modern day Ukraine to France and modern day UK). ... The Celts fought against the Roman Empire.

A research team at Oxford University has found the majority of Britons are Celts descended from Spanish tribes who began arriving about 7,000 years ago. Even in England, about 64 per cent of people are descended from these Celts, outnumbering the descendants of Anglo- Saxons by about three to one.

Celtic cultures seem to have been widely diverse, with the use of a Celtic language being the main thing they had in common. Today, the term Celtic generally refers to the languages and respective cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Brittany, also known as the Celtic nations.

Ireland. Before Christianity they practiced a religion as complex as the Romans with many gods. It grew during the 5th and 6th centuries one of the most spiritual churches in the world.

The Celtic cross is believed to have originated around the 7th century. Like many ancient symbols there are many variations on its origin. Many credit St. Patrick with the creation of the first Celtic cross. 

The Celtic Cross' construction features a traditional cross accentuated with a circle around the intersection of the arms and stem. ... Subject to many different interpretations, the Celtic Cross is said to be a representation of knowledge, strength and compassion to manage life's ups and downs.

The Celtic cross is a form of Christian cross featuring a nimbus or ring that emerged in Ireland, France and Great Britain in the Early Middle Ages. 

Measurements: Cross Pendant (including bale) 60.00 mm x 36.00 mm   Chain 20"  (18" chain available if preferred) 

Weight: 13.70 grams  

Condition: Excellent  Note: Very fine example     Artifacts are luxury items, the pendant can be worn with care.  It should not be worn swimming, showering and bathing. It is best to take the pendant off at night. 

Origin: Europe    Provenance: Ireland from Private collection 

Date: Circa 7th -10th Century