Rare Medieval Wild-Boar Tusk Amulet Discovered in Russia

Archaeologists in Russia have discovered a rare medieval wild-boar tusk used as a good-luck charm, dating from the mid-12th to the early 13th century. Found in Novgorod the Great, the artifact features a large tusk mounted with an engraved metal cap, which researchers believe served as a martial or hunting talisman for a noble or warrior, according to a study published in the journal The Volga River Region Archaeology.

The object was recovered from the Troitsky XVI excavation area, a site associated with wealthy inhabitants of the medieval city. Natalia Eniosova, a metal scientist at Lomonosov Moscow State University and co-author of the study, told Live Science that the tusk’s size makes it extraordinary.

The remaining portion of the tusk measures 3.9 inches (10 centimeters) in length and 1.1 inches (2.8 cm) at its widest point. Analysis by Eniosova and her team indicates the tusk came from a wild boar weighing over 220 pounds (100 kilograms) and at least 8 years old.

Composition and Craftsmanship of the Boar Tusk Amulet

While the mount appears to be silver, research revealed it is almost 100% tin, specifically a silver-imitating tin-lead alloy. Eniosova noted that tin was rare in Europe during this period because of limited sources, though it remained less expensive than silver.

The mount features elaborate engraved decorations. Eniosova told Live Science that carving such intricate ornaments into a soft material like tin was difficult, describing the artifact as a very, very well-done object.

The researchers suggest the item was a hunting trophy. Historical texts cited in the study state that wild-boar hunting in medieval Russia was a privilege reserved for the nobility and the druzhina, or military retinue.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance in Medieval Novgorod

The team believes the tusk functioned as a talisman to transfer the physical prowess of the animal to the hunter. The study states that the object symbolized the transfer of the beast’s physical prowess to the hunter and served concurrently as a charm for good fortune.

Animal amulets with holes for wearing as necklaces were common in Veliky Novgorod during this era. Although the top of this specific tusk is missing, Eniosova noted it may have originally possessed a hole for this purpose.

The discovery is particularly rare because boar tusk amulets were uncommon between the second half of the 11th century and the first half of the 13th century, even though beliefs in their magical properties persisted.

Historical Context of the Novgorod Discovery

Veliky Novgorod, first appearing in historical documents in the ninth century, served as a major trading hub for the Kievan Rus. Eniosova stated that the city was likely inhabited by landowners and individuals involved in the fur trade when the amulet was created.

Eniosova mentioned a hypothetical link to Scandinavian mythology, as some of the city’s first settlers were Scandinavian. However, she clarified that the amulet was created more than 150 years after those settlers left the area.

Alexei Gippius, a philologist at HSE University in Moscow, described the find as a highly significant and unusual discovery in an email to Live Science. Gippius, who was not involved in the study, stated that the research provides new light on the origins and functioning of the mythological beliefs of the early Rus elite.