Cross-shaped pendants of the ‟scandinavian” type as markers of ethnocultural processes: a new look at an old problem

Abstract

Medieval cruciform pendants of this “Scandinavian” type are associated with the Norse hird culture; however, as material finds from various regions accumulated, most researchers were inclined to believe that this phenomenon originated in Old Rus’, if not in even more southern realms. At the same time, the connection of problems of this type with Eastern Christian ancient doubts, since ancient artifacts of Byzantine types are quite far from the ‟Scandinavian” ones. It is suggested that the Western Sarmatian type crosses served as the prototype of the remaining crosses, which arose with the solar or plant sacred world of the ancient nomads rather than with the Christian cult. The subsequent appearance of pendants of the ‟Scandinavian” type, first among the Merovingian antiquities, complements the ideas of the Germanic-Sarmatian cultural symbiosis known to archaeologists. Increased distribution of pendants in the Crimea and the basin reflects ethnic migrations, advancement into East Slavic lands and Scandinavia – obviously confessional and cultural processes, as the symbolism of the Sarmatian cross gradually acquired a Christian character.