Name: Vendel horse brooch Birka, left, bronze
Brand: Celtic WebMerchant
SKU: 07_Br_Horse_-_L_bro
Price: 27.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Historical leather pouch
$ 8 Excl. VAT
Leather pouch, black
$ 8 Excl. VAT
Money purse, red
$ 9 Excl. VAT

Product description

This horse-shaped brooch was found alongside a mirrored partner brooch in Viking Age grave Bj 854, forming a matched pair among the grave goods. These brooches stand out as an extraordinary find — they differ from the typical Viking oval brooch. Worn below the shoulders, one on the left and one on the right, they fastened the dress of the Viking woman buried there. Instead of the garnets on the original, this replica features an eye inlaid with red glass enamel. Available in high-quality bronze, it has a sturdy pin on the back that can fasten even heavy woolen fabrics. Dimensions: 5.4 x 3.2 cm.

Archaeologist Hjalmar Stolpe uncovered the original brooches in the 1870s at grave Bj 854 in Birka, on the island of Adelsö in Upland, Sweden. Crafted from partially gilded silver, they feature garnet-inlaid eyes. Scholars believe these horse brooches were produced in Scandinavia and buried in a 10th-century Viking tomb — though stylistic analysis suggests the horses themselves likely date from the 6th or 7th century.

The design and craftsmanship suggest the horses were originally created as decorative fittings. At some point, someone added a pin mechanism so they could function as brooches. That adaptation points to their lasting significance — possibly as family heirlooms passed down through generations before being placed in the grave.

Product details

Product details:

Material: bronze

Dimensions: 5.4 x 3.2 cm

Right side version also available, to create a pair

Based on a historic original

Shipment weight (grams): 100