In the glow of gold and gems: finds revealed by prospectors with metal detectors

Thursday 17 October 2024, 14:10

The lecture "In the glow of gold and precious stones: the enchanting charm of garnet jewellery of late antiquity" will be given by Jaroslav Jiřík (Prácheň Museum) in a hybrid way - in the ARÚ library and online via Zoom.

• Zoom link

The lecture will present rare royal jewels from the period of the Migration of Nations, which were recently discovered by prospectors with metal detectors in Central Bohemia and subsequently handed over to the Rakovník Museum. Although the two seemingly unrelated finds - Mšec and Řevničov - are separated by thecentury apart, there are important points of contact between them that help us to uncover hidden connections.

One of these is a belt buckle from Mšec, probably made in Ravenna or Constantinople in the 1570s-80s. Its decorative motif, depicting four eagle heads in a geometric cloisonné style, has parallels in ancient Christian iconography. Another major discovery is the presence of Bohemian garnets, the first time ever documented in the history of jewelleryalong with Indian and Ceylonese almandine, suggesting significant long-distance trade contacts via the Silk Road.

Another important find, a horse halter hanger from Řevničov, with a mask and two predators motif, refers to Old Norse mythological figures. Although chronologically younger, this sumptuous object shares aesthetic features with royal insignia across Europe.

The finds from Mšec and Řevničov have been subjected to detailed technological and material research, which has revealed their exceptional significance. The lecture will also reflect on the contribution of interdisciplinary and international cooperation (Czech Republic, France, Germany, Swedendenia, Romania, Slovenia, Egypt, Spain, UK), which has been crucial to the understanding of these unique artefacts.

• Interview with the finders of 2021: When a migrant treasure is found