Kalevala Koru "Kalevankarhu" Bear Necklace, Alkuaika, Kaisaleena Mäkelä, Bronze, 40–45 cm

A distinctive Kalevala Koru “Kalevankarhu” bronze necklace from the Alkuaika series, featuring seven bears symbolizing the powerful Kalevankarhu. Designed by Kaisaleena Mäkelä, the necklace draws on Iron Age animal-motif jewelry traditions of Finno-Ugric peoples and was introduced in the late 1990s.

• Designer: Kaisaleena Mäkelä
• Maker: Kalevala Koru Oy
• Design: Kalevankarhu
• Series: Alkuaika
• Year: Late 1990s onward
• Origin: Finland
• Length: Adjustable 40–45 cm / 15.75–17.72 in
• Weight: 20 g / 0.71 oz
• Color: Bronze
• Material: Bronze
• Marks: "kk" maker's mark
• Original box/paperwork: Box included. No papers.
• Condition: Good. Minor signs of wear consistent with age. See image for details.

Kalevankarhu means “Kaleva’s Bear” and was regarded as the strongest of the figures in the Alkuaika series. According to the traditional story, the bear was the son of Hongatar, born “high in the heavens, on the shoulder of Otava.” The bear was both feared and deeply respected, described as partly human and partly a creature of the forest. Wearing the bear symbol was therefore associated with power over both people and nature.

The Alkuaika collection was designed by Kaisaleena Mäkelä and inspired by animal-themed jewelry used by Finno-Ugric peoples during the Iron Age. The jewelry entered the Kalevala Koru range in the late 1990s. On this necklace, all seven bears are flat and undecorated on the reverse.

A striking piece of Finnish bronze jewelry with strong prehistoric-inspired symbolism, adjustable for everyday wear.

📦 Important: Please provide a valid phone number at checkout. We cannot ship your order without it. Your phone number will only be used for shipping. Thank you for helping us ensure your vintage treasure arrives safely!