Adornment, self-definition, religion

Pendants are common archaeological finds that are numerous and widespread, but several characteristics set them apart from other small archaeological finds. The usage of pendants reaches back to early humans and they remain popular even today, which makes them a controversial archaeological find group that is familiar, yet distant. The total number of 9th-13th pendants reaches into the thousands and they have been found in diverse find situations in the north-eastern Baltic Sea area. This region and time period are in the middle of the larger political and sociocultural developments that took place in the wider Baltic Sea area. This work demonstrates that pendants are a valuable source material for diverse research questions about 9th–13th century societies. Moreover, for the first time the whole collection of pendants is included in one study, which allows to set more ambitious objectives than in previous works. The focus is moved from the interpretation of single types to a more general question that explores how pendants achieved their meaning. Explicit consideration is given to technological aspects, visual culture, and the usage of pendants on the person. Lastly, a meaning that is dynamic and multi-layered, but also somewhat individual is separately analysed. The discussions can be followed without previous knowledge about the source material and archaeological research in Estonia and Latvia, which makes this work — besides all the other advantages — also attractive for the international audience.