10th-11th century AD. A bronze zoomorphic pendant formed from a braided band of wire shaped as a horse in profile with applied suspension loop to the back, eight vertical twisted columns (legs?) below the body each with a bulb-shaped dangle and a similar one to the tail, smaller one below the horse's chin; Mordvinian type; mounted on a custom-made display stand. Cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.XLVII (22"). 73 grams total, 12.3cm including stand (5"). From the family collection of a UK gentleman, by descent in the early 1970s; previously acquired before 1960. The horse with eight legs is evidenced in Scandinavian folklore where it is called Sleipnir (the slippery one) and is the preferred steed of the god Oðinn (Odin) as it transports him over land, sea and sky. The combination of the eight dangles on the legs and the one on the tail gives the number nine, which was culturally important in northern Europe associated with the cult of Oðinn. Among the Mordvins, the horses of Pur’ginepaz, the thunder god, struck sparks which illuminated the sky. Condition Report Fine condition.