Brudedaler: Norwegian bridal pendant

What is a brudedaler?

A brudedaler, also known as agnestei, is a hanging ornament worn with several Norwegian bridal costumes. The related name dalarsølje refers to a brudedaler that was originally a brooch priced at one riksdaler. These names cover a tradition with regional and design variations; they do not by themselves date an individual piece.

Motifs and construction

A brudedaler may combine a chain with several suspended elements. Examples include a coin-like pendant showing the Lamb of God, or Agnus Dei, other biblical imagery, a Norwegian or foreign daler coin, an openable lidded brooch, and filigree or rosette work. Individual examples do not all contain the same components or motifs.

Coin brudedalers form a large group and are especially widespread in Telemark and Aust-Agder. Lidded and filigree examples are also represented in other regions. See OBA’s entries on bunad dress and filigree.

Identification

Assess the motif, links, suspended parts, clasp, construction and marks together. A coin may be a decorative element and does not alone establish when or where the jewellery was made. Material, silver fineness, origin and date each need separate evidence.

Reference

• Store norske leksikon: Brudedaler, an expert-edited entry with subject responsibility at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History.