15. 5. 2020 Jewellery from the Migration of Nations

A gold ring and a buckle from the period of the Migration of Peoples were discovered in Rakovník by two brothers working with archaeologists. The jewellery is inlaid with Bohemian garnets. They are currently on display in the museum as part of a new exhibition.

The treasure was found by the Slám brothers. The jewels were probably stolen from the grave of a rich aristocrat and taken to Rakovník. This is evidenced by the clasp, which was split into three parts, probably as a loot.

"This jewel is unique especially because of its unusually rich gemstone decoration and also its weight," said Magdalena Elznicová Mikesková, director of the T.G.M. Rakovník Museum.

In addition to the clasp, the brothers also discovered a gold ring, which has been preserved in its entirety. According to experts from the museum, it is really not missing anything. Both jewels contain over 150 grams of pure gold. They are decorated with Czech garnets, almandine and three pieces of green glass. Both jewels are beautiful documents of the material culture of the highest aristocracy. They are absolutely unique not only in Central Bohemia, but also in Central Europe.

It was clear to the Slám brothers that they had found something exceptional. "We immediately called Mrs Blažková at the museum and she confirmed it," said Jakub Blažek.

If you are interested in the treasure from Rakovník, you can see it at the T.G.M. Rakovník Museum until June next year.

The exhibition is called The Mystery of the Gold Jewellery and is the culmination of almost two years of research into these jewels. The exhibition also includes a discovery from last year, namely a massive gilded silver horse halter with a motif of human masks from the end of the 6th century. A special 3D model is also on display.

"It allows visitors to examine the jewels in detail from all angles and to experience how the parts were probably joined together to form a whole. Operation is intuitive using a touch screen. Digitisation was challenging due to the high gloss of the gold jewellery and the partial transparency of the set stones," explained Sven Ubik, Head of Technology for Network Applications at CESNET.

More information about the exhibition can be found on the museum's website: TGM Museum

Sources: www.muzeumtgm.cz, www.novinky.cz, www.denik.cz