Rare Bronze Pendant Depicting the Virgin and Child, 16th–17th Century AD— An Authentic Relic of Medieval Christian Devotion An authentic bronze devotional pendant dating to the 16th–17th Century AD. This remarkable artifact represents one of the most cherished forms of personal religious jewelry from the medieval Christian world, created during a period when small devotional medallions accompanied believers throughout every stage of life. The pendant is finely cast in bronze as a circular medallion with an integral suspension loop for wearing on a cord or chain. The obverse features a relief depicting the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, one of the most revered subjects in Christian art. Despite nearly nine centuries beneath the ground, the composition remains clearly recognizable, preserving the spiritual character and artistic quality of the original work. Over the centuries, the bronze has developed a beautiful natural archaeological patina in rich green, olive and brown tones. The pendant remains in authentic excavated condition without restoration or modern cleaning, preserving its original medieval character and historical integrity. devotional pendants depicting sacred figures are considerably rarer than ordinary cross pendants and are highly sought after by collectors of medieval archaeology, Byzantine art and Christian antiquities. Details Material: Bronze Type: Devotional Pendant Depiction: The Virgin Mary with the Christ Child Period: 16th–17th Century AD Diameter: 27 mm Weight: 2.13 g Condition: Authentic archaeological artifact. Natural untouched patina. No restoration. No modern cleaning. Provenance: Acquired on the European antiquities market. From a private collection. Shipping: European Union shipping only. Gift: A genuine leather cord is included with the pendant. Legend Throughout the world, the image of the Virgin and Child was regarded as a powerful symbol of mercy, protection and hope. Mothers prayed before this sacred image for their children, soldiers carried it into battle, and pilgrims wore similar pendants on long journeys, believing they traveled under the protection of the Mother of God. More than a personal ornament, such a pendant became a lifelong expression of faith and was often preserved as a treasured family heirloom, passed from one generation to the next.