Copper-alloy, 17.19 grams, 59.52 mm. 12th-15th century AD. The Mordvinians' material culture developed from Rus-influenced Baltic fashions, among which is a form of penannular brooch in which the terminals evolved into long, rhomboidal plates. The present example comprises a round-section bar formed into a split hoop, with rhomboidal extensions decorated with triangular pelletted designs and with cast ropework loops on the exterior to which decorative chains were attached. The pin is formed from a section of the same bar, flattened at one end and coiled around the loop. Reference: Sedov, V.V. Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhy Srednevekoviya, Moscow, 1987, p.292 fig.12. Extremely fine condition. Provenance: from an old German collection, found Lake Ladoga.