Plant motifs have symbolized the power and cycle of life. The surface of this piece of jewelry is covered with plant-based palmettes, resembling fan-like palm leaves. This ornamental form was already known in Egypt, from where it spread to Europe through antiquity. Plant motifs are also well-known in Christian symbolism, where the message contained in the ornamentation was significant. It is believed that for Christians, palmettes depicted paradise. The piece of jewelry is based on a buckle found in Tuukkala, Mikkeli, dating from 1150-1250.
