ca. 1200–600 BC Material: Bronze Dimensions: 53 mm (height), 47 mm (width). Condition: Good condition for age; openwork intact; surface corrosion, wear and encrustation consistent with burial. A rare and finely cast bronze openwork amulet, measuring 53 mm in height and 47 mm in width. The body is divided by a central cross into four quadrants, representing the solar wheel — a symbol of the sun’s eternal movement across the sky. The surface has developed a rich multi-toned natural patina, ranging from green carbonate encrustation to dark brown and purple oxides. This variety of colors is characteristic of ancient bronze objects buried for millennia, with the green representing malachite growth, while the darker tones reflect stable cuprite and tenorite layers close to the metal. Such patination not only enhances the aesthetic appearance but also serves as a strong indicator of authenticity. Objects of this type are characteristic of the Late Bronze Age and are often associated with solar worship, one of the central elements of prehistoric European religion. The four divisions are thought to represent the cardinal directions or the cycle of the seasons, symbolizing cosmic order and the life-giving power of the sun. Amulets such as this one were not merely decorative; they held profound symbolic and ritual significance, serving as protective charms for the wearer and possibly used in ceremonial or fertility rites. Comparable examples are known from Central and Eastern Europe, where they have been uncovered in hoards, graves, and settlement sites, highlighting their widespread cultural importance.