8. Jewellery, gold

From Ammunde, Burs parish, Gotland, 1100-1361 A.D. Bracteates made of gold The two bracteates are not identical, but are similar. They consist of a round, somewhat convex plate with a centre boss and four edge bosses. They are decorated with filigree (a finely worked thread that is soldered to the substrate) and granules (small grains that are soldered to the substrate). The filigree forms patterns that are amplified by the display of granules. The most prominent are the fleurs-de-lis adjoining the carrying loop of the pendant. The fleur-de-lis symbolises purity and virginity; by tradition it represents Virgin Mary and the three leaves signifies the trinity or the virtues of wisdom, loyalty and self-sacrifice. As a power symbol it occurs in places such as at the top of sceptres and as ornaments in royal crowns. SHM 2485:1:A