Beautiful Ancient Crucifix Pendant Discovered that Could Change the Understanding of Christianity in Denmark
The Independent noted that it was "probably worn by a Viking woman," and that it is "significant because it would indicate Danes embraced Christianity earlier than previously thought.
(Denmark)—According to an Independent UK report, a man using a metal detector in a field near Avnslev, Denmark, made an incredibly rare discovery. (Photo: Dennis Fabricius Holm © Østfyns Museer)
"I got off early on Friday, so I took just a few hours, I went around with my metal detector and then I came suddenly on something," Dennis Fabricius Holm told DK.
What he found was a gold Birka crucifix pendant, ornate and in extremely good condition.
After posting a photo of it on social media, his friends encouraged Holm to contact a museum, which he did.
Curator and archaeologist at Østfyns Museum said, "It is an absolutely sensational discovery that is from the first half of the 900s [10th century]."
The pendant was described as weighing 13.2 grams and 4.1cm long, with the figure made of "finely articulated goldthreads and tiny filigree pellets," according to the Independent UK report.
The jewelry has a small eye on top of it so it can be worn with a chain. The Independent noted that it was "probably worn by a Viking woman," and that it is "significant because it would indicate Danes embraced Christianity earlier than previously thought.
"Since I cleared the mud and saw the jewelry, I have not been able to think of anything else," said Holm of the find.
