These tortoise brooches are based on a 9^th century find from Saltvik in land, Sweden.

This kind of oval brooch began to appear as early as the 8^th century and was used in various design forms until the end of the 10^th and beginning of the 11^th century. It was a staple of Scandinavian women’s dress throughout the period. It was used to secure the shoulder straps on apron dresses to the front of the dress.

Early on these kinds of adornments were small, but they quickly grew in size by the start of the Viking age.

These brooches aremadeof bronze and measure 6 x 4 x 2 cm, and come with a pin in the back to fasten the straps for the apron dress.

Sold as a pair.