The silver votive pendant in the shape of a burning heart, with the round eyelet for hanging.
Votive pendants (“votums” – from Latin “votives” – dedicated to the gods, vow, wish) are small silver or gold plaques in the shape or with the image of various parts of the human body or human figure. They were brought with thanksgiving for healing from an illness or with a request for healing.
Votive pendants were hung to miraculous and the most revered icons. This tradition was widespread in Ukraine in the 17–19 centuries. But it was especially popular in Poland.
en