Medieval ring depicting a pentagram

ITEM: Ring depicting a pentagram
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Medieval
PERIOD: 11th - 14th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 17 mm x 22 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired before 2000s

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

The pentagram, a five-pointed star, was an important symbol used across various cultures, and during the medieval period, it had a range of interpretations. Often associated with mysticism, protection, and the divine, the pentagram was used in Christian iconography as a symbol of the Five Wounds of Christ, representing his suffering during the crucifixion. In this context, the pentagram was seen as a symbol of faith and salvation, and it was sometimes inscribed on rings worn by knights, clergy, or individuals seeking divine protection or spiritual strength. The geometric precision of the pentagram also made it an appealing motif for medieval goldsmiths and artisans who crafted personal adornments.

Beyond its Christian symbolism, the pentagram was also linked to pagan beliefs and occult practices. In medieval Europe, the pentagram was sometimes used as a protective amulet against evil spirits, witches, or dark forces, with the five points symbolizing the elements: earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. This association was particularly popular among occultists and those involved in alchemical practices, who saw the pentagram as a powerful symbol of balance and harmony. Medieval rings featuring the pentagram would have been worn not only for their religious or spiritual symbolism but also as a form of magical protection or a tool for invoking mystical powers.

The use of the pentagram on medieval rings also reflects the era’s broader interest in symbolism and secrecy. In a time when Christianity was the dominant religious force, symbols like the pentagram that could be interpreted in various ways allowed individuals to express their beliefs or affiliations, sometimes in ways that were subtle or hidden. These rings were often personal items, passed down through generations or used in rituals, marking them as powerful symbols of the wearer’s faith, protection, or affiliation with certain mystical traditions.