Medieval bronze pendant depicting a bear.

Khanty

Tobolsk Guberniya, Berezovsky Uyezd

IX – XII вв.

Metal

РЭМ 1711-371

Medieval bronze pendant depicting a bear. Such figurines found in the ground were highly valued and used as amulets and plait band decorations. The figurine was cast in a closed mold. The beast is depicted in profile, standing on a flat raised base. The bear’s torso is decorated with welts imitating hair. The mouth is slightly opened. The round eyes have prominent pupils. In the animal’s back is a hole for passing a string. It served as decoration of women’s plait band.