Kalevala Koru, Kalevankarhu, Bronze Bear Pendant Brooch, Vintage Finnish Jewelry, Bear Necklace, 60 cm Chain

Vintage Kalevala Koru "Kalevankarhu" bronze pendant from the "Alkuaika" -series, designed by goldsmith Kaisaleena Mäkelä. The piece can also be worn as a brooch or necklace.

• Designer: Kaisaleena Mäkelä
• Maker: Kalevala Koru
• Design/Pattern name: Kalevankarhu
• Series: Alkuaika
• Year: Late 1990s onward
• Origin: Finland
• Pendant/Brooch size: 18 × 30 mm / 0.71 × 1.18 in
• Chain length: 60 cm / 23.6 in
• Color: Bronze
• Material: Bronze
• Marks: "kk" maker's mark
• Condition: Good vintage condition. Signs of use that are consistent with age.

Kalevankarhu means “Kaleva's Bear.” In Finnish tradition, the bear was regarded as the strongest of the forest beings and was treated with great respect and fear. According to the traditional story, the bear was the son of Hongatar, the mistress of the wilderness, who gave birth to him “high in the heavens, on the shoulder of Otava.” The bear was considered partly related to humans and partly one of the beings of the forest.

The person who wore the bear's symbol was therefore believed to command both people and nature.

Kalevankarhu was part of the extensive "Alkuaika" series designed by goldsmith Kaisaleena Mäkelä. The series drew inspiration from animal-motif jewellery worn by Finno-Ugric peoples during the Iron Age. The Alkuaika jewellery was introduced in the late 1990s.

The Jewelry can be worn as a pendant on the 60 cm chain or as a brooch.

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