Cross pendant from Taskula

Cross pendants in Finland date back to the era of the crusades, from the 11th century onwards. They can be divided by type into crucifixes, palmette crosses and tri-circular crosses. The cross pendant found in a man’s grave in Taskula (Maaria), Turku, in 1938 is a crucifix. Crucifixes depict the image of the crucified Christ, and the opposite side of the pendant may depict either the crucified or some other image of a saint. The other side may also be blank. The crucifixes found in Finland are equal-armed and slightly wider at the ends of the arms.

The cross pendant of Taskula is made of silver and has the image of the crucified Christ on one side, and the other side probably depicts the Virgin Mary, whose wrists are tied to the arms of the cross. At the ends of the pendant’s braided chain are delicate, animal head-shaped end tubes. Exceptionally, there is a small cross on the head of Christ. The influence of the Eastern Church has been seen in the treatment of the subject.

The subject of the cross pendant strongly refers to Christianity, but it is nevertheless unclear what its significance was for its wearer. It is possible that the pendant did not reflect the wearer’s religious conviction, but was regarded only as a precious necklace, used regardless of the symbolism associated with it.

KM11275:29