Rocznik Lubuski (t. 31, cz.1): Muzea i ochrona dziedzictwa kulturowego na Środkowym Nadodrzu

Muzea i Ochrona Dziedzictwa Kulturowego na Środkowym Nadodrzu

Late Medieval Hoards of Coins from the Lower Odra Region and Lower Elbeland, Containing Jewellery and Ornaments

In this paper the author offers an overview of hoards containing ornamental items, that is, jewellery, dress ornaments as well as ornaments used to decorate other artefacts. Je mapping of finds, starting with those from the second half of the 12th c., does not display any concentration in the discussed territory. However, there is quite a large concentration of deposits with ornaments in the southern borders, or actually beyond them—in Anhalt, Saxony-Wittenberg and in Thuringia (Fig. 1). When the finds are arranged chronologically, it turns out that deposits which were hidden in the period from c. 1360 to c. 1500 are the most numerous. Earlier hoards, however, are much richer in decorative artefacts. In later deposits such artefacts are either single specimens or their number is limited to but a few finds. There are occasional hoards dated back to the Early Middle Ages (to c. 1070) containing ornaments only or ornaments and non-monetary silver (in the form of clumps and bars). However, from the second half of the 12KP c. onwards there are no finds which contain ornamental items only. Although there are ornaments in deposits with bars (Gusskönige), they are accompanied by coins. An overwhelming majority of the ornamental items was made from silver. From the 13th c. onwards, gilding appears on the silver artefacts. Je technique of gilding is commonly used in silver jewellery artefacts from the 14th and 15th c. A silver ring from the hoard from Bardowick is ornamented in the niello technique. Gold artefacts occur very rarely, and it seems that they appear as single finds only. Bronze artefacts are truly unique. Specimens from the 14th and 15th c. are ornamented with semi-precious stones, a glass mass and enamel, while pearls are found sporadically. Amber does not occur in the discussed territory; on the other hand, it is known from small artefacts in other parts of Europe (e.g., from the Austrian hoard in Fuchsenhof, c. 1275–1278). Je assortment of ornamental artefacts for decoration of the body (jewellery) and of dress is quite similar to that from the present time. It encompasses rings (often with eyelets), annuli and signet rings, brooches used as clasps, buckles and the fittings of belts, knobs used as buttons, but also as dress ornaments, fittings (thin metal sheets with openings, used to ornament dresses, purses and caskets) in the shape of round and heraldic shields, or heraldic eagles and lions. In some hoards there are large numbers of buckles (some of these are similar to brooches, somewhat resembling fibulae). Crosses-pendants, earrings and hair pins are not common. Items of cutlery are rather sporadically found (silver spoons and silver fittings for knife handles). The largest hoards are known from the territory of the Wendic Hansa and they were discovered in urban areas. "ere is no doubt that these were gathered by members of the patriciate. On the other hand, rich hoards with gold artefacts are known from the Rhineland, but also from Erfurt in Thuringia and from Środa Śląska