November 2011
September 2011
Photos: Archaeological collections of the Institute of History, Tallinn University | |||
The birdhead-shaped object was found from the excavations of Lohavere hillfort, South Estonia. It is made from elk antler and it is dated to the 12th–13th centuries AD. Birdhead-shaped artefacts are quite numerous among archaeological finds from Novgorod. They have been made also from wood, bronze and walrus ivory, but specimens of antler occur more frequently. The birdhead-shaped artefacts from Novgorod have been regarded as whip handles. In Novgorod they were popular from the end of the 11th century to the beginning of the 13th century. The birdhead-shaped antler artefact also bears traces of use: one of its sides is quite worn. Evidently it was rubbed against something in the course of exploitation. In this respect the interpretation of the Novgorod objects as whip handles also fits the Lohavere find: the whip probably hang from a belt or a saddle and thus wore off one of its sides. Most likely the birdhead was not the whole handle of a whip, it was probably attached to a longer, presumably wooden, handle. This beautiful whip handle undoubtedly belonged to a person of a high social status. This is suggested by the findspot and the purpose of the object as well as the careful finishing of the product. The object was found from a hill-fort, which in its time was an abode of the local elite. Lohavere was a small fortified nobleman’s hillfort, a fortified manor. The high rank of the owner is also suggested by the purpose of the object – whip belonged to a horseman’s outfit and horseman undoubtedly belonged to the elite. Deciding by the craftsmanship and methods of manufacturing the object is evidently of foreign origin, manufactured by a professional boneworker. Most likely only the social elite could afford to acquire such objects.Heidi Luik Reference:
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August 2011
One of four inkpots made of horn, probably from an orphanage, second half of 16th century.
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July 2011
‚Turned‘ sheep metatarsus from a Roman until early medieval site at Cottam, East Yorkshire, England. Suggestions, comparative items, remarks are still welcome. Please contact Steve Ashby. |
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Photo: Steve Ashby object courtesy of Julian D Richards (site director). |
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May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
This month a beautiful fan made of tortoise shell and ivory found in a 17th century context in Amsterdam. | ||
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Photo: Anneke Dekker
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