Зборник Народног музеја Србије. Археологија = Recueil du Musée national de Serbie. Archéologie, 2023
A CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF AMBER JEWELLERY FROM THE KOSMAJ COLLECTION OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM ... more A CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF AMBER JEWELLERY FROM THE KOSMAJ COLLECTION OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SERBIA
According to the number of discovered items made of amber, aside from Singidunum and Viminacium in Upper Moesia, the mining region of Kosmaj also stands out (fig. 1). Two rings haven’t been published previously – one with a female bust depicted, placed as an offering into grave 168 (fig. 2), with incineration, of the Mala Kopašnica Sase II type, at the necropolis of Gomilice, ter. inv. 547 (fig. 3), and another, with a representation of a dog, placed in grave 1 of the same type (fig. 4), at the nearby necropolis of Rt, in the area of the village of Guberevac, inv. no. G 957 (fig. 5 a–g). For three fragmented items, inv. no. G 958, in the form of animals – a lion (lioness?) (fig. 6 a–b), a pig (boar?) (fig. 7) and a hippopotamus (?) (fig. 8), discovered during the research of this area, there is no information about the place of discovery, except for the preserved, illegible year (1956?). Aside from the ring with the female bust, which wasn’t found during the inventorying of grave goods, all the mentioned items are a part of the Kosmaj Collection of the National Museum of Serbia. Only a drawing of the ring with the female bust has been preserved. The head of the woman is tossed back, with fine facial features, merely sketched neck, long hair, combed back, and prominent bust. In grave 1 of the necropolis of Rt, a massive ring was placed, ellipsoid in shape, made from one piece of amber, with a relief representation of a dog, lying down on the right side, relaxed. The hair of the dog is long and wavy, accentuated with engraved lines. The front part of the animal is missing – head, neck, and part of the legs. On the basis of analogies, both items can be dated into the end of the 1st – the middle of the 2nd century. Various items made of amber, worn and gifted as tokens of affection, loyalty, gratitude, aside from their aesthetic role, also had a prophylactic role in both worlds. They were placed in graves of women, children, newborns. Even today, amber jewellery is placed around the hands and necks of babies in order to protect them.
The population from western provinces which settled in the mining region of Kosmaj, especially Liburnian, could have brought amber items, as a part of their heritage, to Kosmaj. We cannot exclude the possibility, either, that they were in possession of the local population, impoverished with the arrival of the Romans. Precious jewellery would have been inherited, kept or received as a gift through family connections with wealthier members of the community. The ring with the female bust from the grave at Gomilice could have been specially made for someone dear. There is the possibility that some of the examples hadn’t been the property or intended for a given buried deceased individual. As a transmitter of sorts, they could have been buried for someone who had previously died, for any reason. The rings from Gomilice and Rt, dated into the end of the 1st – the middle of the 2nd century, had been made in some of the workshops of Aquileia. As for the fragmented items in the form of animals, which may have been grave goods in one of the devastated necropoles, it is not possible to say with certainty where they were made. While we have not found an analogy for the figure of the lion, the fragmented items in the shape of a pig and a hippopotamus (?) can be assumed to be Italic products. Placed in the graves of women, children, newborns, the most vulnerable categories of the society in the Empire, and also Kosmaj, they were to enhance protection, healing, to bring joy, and they represent a wish for the accomplishment of those things that were interrupted with the death of a given individual, with affection and belief in lasting good.
Зборник Народног музеја Србије. Археологија = Recueil du Musée national de Serbie. Archéologie
A CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF AMBER JEWELLERY FROM THE KOSMAJ COLLECTION OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM ... more A CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF AMBER JEWELLERY FROM THE KOSMAJ COLLECTION OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SERBIA According to the number of discovered items made of amber, aside from Singidunum and Viminacium in Upper Moesia, the mining region of Kosmaj also stands out (fig. 1). Two rings haven’t been published previously – one with a female bust depicted, placed as an offering into grave 168 (fig. 2), with incineration, of the Mala Kopašnica Sase II type, at the necropolis of Gomilice, ter. inv. 547 (fig. 3), and another, with a representation of a dog, placed in grave 1 of the same type (fig. 4), at the nearby necropolis of Rt, in the area of the village of Guberevac, inv. no. G 957 (fig. 5 a–g). For three fragmented items, inv. no. G 958, in the form of animals – a lion (lioness?) (fig. 6 a–b), a pig (boar?) (fig. 7) and a hippopotamus (?) (fig. 8), discovered during the research of this area, there is no information about the place of discovery, except for the preserved, illegible year (1956?). Aside from the ring with the female bust, which wasn’t found during the inventorying of grave goods, all the mentioned items are a part of the Kosmaj Collection of the National Museum of Serbia. Only a drawing of the ring with the female bust has been preserved. The head of the woman is tossed back, with fine facial features, merely sketched neck, long hair, combed back, and prominent bust. In grave 1 of the necropolis of Rt, a massive ring was placed, ellipsoid in shape, made from one piece of amber, with a relief representation of a dog, lying down on the right side, relaxed. The hair of the dog is long and wavy, accentuated with engraved lines. The front part of the animal is missing – head, neck, and part of the legs. On the basis of analogies, both items can be dated into the end of the 1st – the middle of the 2nd century. Various items made of amber, worn and gifted as tokens of affection, loyalty, gratitude, aside from their aesthetic role, also had a prophylactic role in both worlds. They were placed in graves of women, children, newborns. Even today, amber jewellery is placed around the hands and necks of babies in order to protect them. The population from western provinces which settled in the mining region of Kosmaj, especially Liburnian, could have brought amber items, as a part of their heritage, to Kosmaj. We cannot exclude the possibility, either, that they were in possession of the local population, impoverished with the arrival of the Romans. Precious jewellery would have been inherited, kept or received as a gift through family connections with wealthier members of the community. The ring with the female bust from the grave at Gomilice could have been specially made for someone dear. There is the possibility that some of the examples hadn’t been the property or intended for a given buried deceased individual. As a transmitter of sorts, they could have been buried for someone who had previously died, for any reason. The rings from Gomilice and Rt, dated into the end of the 1st – the middle of the 2nd century, had been made in some of the workshops of Aquileia. As for the fragmented items in the form of animals, which may have been grave goods in one of the devastated necropoles, it is not possible to say with certainty where they were made. While we have not found an analogy for the figure of the lion, the fragmented items in the shape of a pig and a hippopotamus (?) can be assumed to be Italic products. Placed in the graves of women, children, newborns, the most vulnerable categories of the society in the Empire, and also Kosmaj, they were to enhance protection, healing, to bring joy, and they represent a wish for the accomplishment of those things that were interrupted with the death of a given individual, with affection and belief in lasting good.
Археолошким ископавањима Народног музеја у Београду, изведеним у периоду од 1960. до 1978. године... more Археолошким ископавањима Народног музеја у Београду, изведеним у периоду од 1960. до 1978. године, на некрополи Губеревац – Гомилице, која је предмет рада, констатовано је 370 гробова спаљених покојника и два устринума. На основу конструкције готово сви откривени гробови на Гомилицама припадају типу аутохтоних гробних форми познатих као Мала Копашница – Сасе тип I и II (МКС I и МКС II), а само у два гроба остаци су похрањени у оловне саркофаге и у једном случају у керамичку зделу – урну. Сахрањивање у гробовима са рашчлањеном гробном раком типа МКС II је доминантније. Похрањени предмети од керамике, стакла, метала, као и новац, хронолошки су опредељени од друге половине I до средине III века. Остаци скелета нису сачувани тако да није било могуће установити полну и старосну структуру сахрањених. Приликом израде рада, осим анализе гробних прилога са некрополе који се чувају у Збирци Космај Народног музеја у Београду, у истраживању саме некрополе коришћена је доступна документација Арх...
ABSTRACT Vessel and window glass fragments from the Roman archeological site at Mt. Kosmaj, Serbi... more ABSTRACT Vessel and window glass fragments from the Roman archeological site at Mt. Kosmaj, Serbia, were investigated by means of PIXE and PIGE techniques. Window glass was also investigated by optical microscopy. Results show soda-lime-silica composition of all samples. Statistical evaluation was conducted by cluster analysis. Comparison was made with well-defined glass groups from other sites of the Roman Empire, including in the Balkans. This revealed the greatest similarity with Levantine materials. Glasses of similar composition can be found on the main trade routes coming from the region of Adria from the west or from the coast of the Black Sea at east.
Vessel and window glass fragments from the Roman archeological site at Mt. Kosmaj, Serbia, were i... more Vessel and window glass fragments from the Roman archeological site at Mt. Kosmaj, Serbia, were investigated by means of PIXE and PIGE techniques. Window glass was also investigated by optical microscopy. Results show soda-lime-silica composition of all samples. Statistical evaluation was conducted by cluster analysis. Comparison was made with well-defined glass groups from other sites of the Roman Empire, including in the Balkans. This revealed the greatest similarity with Levantine materials. Glasses of similar composition can be found on the main trade routes coming from the region of Adria from the west or from the coast of the Black Sea at east.
Апстракт: На некрополи спаљених покојника Гомилице у Губеревцу, у гробо-
ве 134 и 334 похрањени с... more Апстракт: На некрополи спаљених покојника Гомилице у Губеревцу, у гробо- ве 134 и 334 похрањени су прозирни горски кристали хексагоналног облика. На основу прилога, гробови су хронолошки опредељени у прву половину II, односно у II и прву половину III века. Кључне речи: прозирни горски кристал, некропола Гомилице, Губеревац, симболика, II–III век
ROCK CRYSTALS AS GRAVE GOODS AT THE GOMILICE NECROPOLIS AT GUBEREVAC SUMMARY In the course of systematic excavations at the Gomilice necropolis, transparent rock crystals was unearthed from Graves 134 and 334 respectively. Based on the grave goods, Grave 134 can be dated to the first half of the 3rd century AD and Grave 334 to the first half of the 2nd century AD. Both crystals are hexagonal in shape, with evenly formed rectangular sides (facets). Both ends of the artefact from Grave 134 (Figs. 1, 2) are unevenly cut at a slant, whereas both ends (tips) of the one from Grave 334 (Figs. 3, 4), shaped in the form of a regular hexagonal prism, have been preserved. Crystals can often be found in nature as part of the natural druse and were deposited in graves uncut. So far, we have not found any examples of the same practice of depositing rock crystals in their natural form. We can only speculate about the reasons why they were deposited in graves and about their function before and during the burial rite. Crystals could easily be found in mine shafts and, due to their exquisite beauty, they were collected and brought home, where they served as decoration and also as tools, optical instruments or toys (?). As they were the property of a deceased person, they were deposited in their grave. Since the crystals were believed to possess power, they could have been used for healing and prophylaxis before being deposited in the grave, or they may have been used as a means of prophesying and invoking the soul of the deceased. A connection between the symbolism and meaning of the number of facets on a crystal and the philosophical teachings of the Neo-Pythagoreans and the Neo-Platonists is not very likely. We presume that the local inhabitants were aware of the special role crystals and their shape and number of facets played in the customs and beliefs of their ancestors. At the same time, however, we cannot link them with a particular deity. Most probably, here we also have an example of syncretism, evident from the grave goods at Gomilice. In addition to cults so far unrecorded in our parts, such as the cult of Venus Libitina and the curse tablets deposited in the necropolis, the deposited crystals testify to the cosmopolitanism of the Kosmaj mining district.
Апстракт: Током систематских ископавања некрополе Гомилице у Губеревцу на Космају, у гробу 109, о... more Апстракт: Током систематских ископавања некрополе Гомилице у Губеревцу на Космају, у гробу 109, осим уобичајених прилога, нађене су две оловне плочице (tabellae defixionvm) са урезаним натписима. Приликом стављања у гроб биле су преломљене, односно пресавијене, а трагови на њима показују да су биле фиксиране ексерима. У натписима се јављају само лична имена, без магијских формула. На основу осталих гробних прилога, определили смо их у II–III век.
Abstract: Two inscribed lead tabellae defixionum were uncovered during the excavations of the grave 109 in the necropolis Guberevac-Gomilice on the mountain of Kosmaj. The tablets have been folded and fixed with nails. They contain only personal names, without magical words or phrases. The burial goods from the grave 109 suggest that the curse tablets should be dated to the second or third century A.D.
Апстракт: Приликом систематских археолошких ископавања
космајске некрополе Губеревац–Гомилице, ис... more Апстракт: Приликом систематских археолошких ископавања космајске некрополе Губеревац–Гомилице, истражени су гробови типа Мала Копашница–Сасе. У конструкцији шест гробова уочене су оловне либационе цеви и керамички тубулус. На основу гробних прилога, датовани су у II–III век.
Кључне речи: Космај, некропола, Мала Копашница–Сасе II, ли ба ци - оне цеви, II–III век.
Graves with libation Pipes at Kosmaj Necropolis The remains of cremated deceased persons at the necropolis Guberevac – Gomilice were placed in the graves known in literature as graves of Mala Kopašnica – Sase type (Јовановић 1984: 100-112). Besides recognizable elements characteristic of the structure of graves of this type in five of the graves – graves 149, 204 and 220 (investigated in 1962) and 258 and 268 (excavations in 1974) have been recorded lead libation pipes and ceramic tubule in grave 84 excavated in 1961. The fragmented ceramic tubule was part of the libation pipe. The graves are attributed to Mala Kopašnica-Sase II type. We dated the graves with libation pipes to the 2nd century except grave 84 with ceramic tubule that is dated to the 2nd – 3rd century. The libation pipes were used as instrument for establishing connection with the deceased or indirectly through him with the gods of underworld, other members of the community and the ancestors. In addition it was believed that someone could be damned by certain magic rituals (inserting messages or pouring liquid sacrifice in the libation pipe). The appearance of lead pipes at the Kosmaj necropolis (except for ceramic one) is logical considering the mining area where the necropolis was situated. The lead as metal of Venus had been placed in the house foundations as cult and prophylactic symbol (Јовановић 2007: 59). A. Jovanovic agrees with authors, who relate libation pipes at the necropoles of the Roman Empire to the population of Greek or Oriental origin, but at the same time he is of the opinion that in our region we could not fully ascribe this phenomenon to the population from this area (Јовановић 1984: 105). We could agree with his assumption ‘about certain autochthonous character of this sepulchral practice in our territory that was basically connected with Greek traditions but had local evolution’.
Апстракт: У раду је представљен прстен у облику спирално увијене змије, нађен у просторији 1 зида... more Апстракт: У раду је представљен прстен у облику спирално увијене змије, нађен у просторији 1 зидане породичне гробнице типа area maceria cincta на локалитету Река у Губеревцу. Масиван је, израђен од сребра, са златном оплатом по површини главе прстена змије. Датован је у другу половину II, почетак III века. Кључне речи: накит, прстен у облику змије, Космај, Губеревац, гробница area maceria cincta, II-III век
SNAKE-SHAPED FINGER RING FROM THE KOSMAJ TOMB SUMMARY Investigations at the site Reka in Guberevac as part of an international scientific and investigation project brought to light aboveground masonry family tombs known as area maceria cincta. In the 1987 campaign massive silver finger ring shaped as common viper was discovered in room 1 of tomb 1. Hoop - that is the body of snake of circular section is spirally wound and from short tail where it is thinnest it gradually expands toward deltoid head. Head of finger ring (snake) is pronounced in relation to the body by gold plating, which was subsequently added. It is noticeable on the inside of ends, which are less carefully executed and that indicates prolonged use of the ring. Only half of the body (hoop) toward the head i decorated with engraved netlike ornament resembling scales on snake’s body thus creating the polychromatic impression. Owner of this finger ring belonged to the prominent family of the local aristocracy, which maintained its position also after Roman occupation as could be concluded considering the fact that he was buried in masonry family tomb. Recognizable symbolics and apotropaic meaning of finger ring shaped as snake bear witness about still existing Balkan-Danubian traditional forms, i.e. about the descent of its owner. This exceptional piece of jewelry made in the second half of the 2nd ‒ beginning of the 3rd century is just one of the elements of complex picture of mining region on the Kosmaj Mt.
Зборник Народног музеја Србије. Археологија = Recueil du Musée national de Serbie. Archéologie, 2023
A CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF AMBER JEWELLERY FROM THE KOSMAJ COLLECTION OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM ... more A CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF AMBER JEWELLERY FROM THE KOSMAJ COLLECTION OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SERBIA
According to the number of discovered items made of amber, aside from Singidunum and Viminacium in Upper Moesia, the mining region of Kosmaj also stands out (fig. 1). Two rings haven’t been published previously – one with a female bust depicted, placed as an offering into grave 168 (fig. 2), with incineration, of the Mala Kopašnica Sase II type, at the necropolis of Gomilice, ter. inv. 547 (fig. 3), and another, with a representation of a dog, placed in grave 1 of the same type (fig. 4), at the nearby necropolis of Rt, in the area of the village of Guberevac, inv. no. G 957 (fig. 5 a–g). For three fragmented items, inv. no. G 958, in the form of animals – a lion (lioness?) (fig. 6 a–b), a pig (boar?) (fig. 7) and a hippopotamus (?) (fig. 8), discovered during the research of this area, there is no information about the place of discovery, except for the preserved, illegible year (1956?). Aside from the ring with the female bust, which wasn’t found during the inventorying of grave goods, all the mentioned items are a part of the Kosmaj Collection of the National Museum of Serbia. Only a drawing of the ring with the female bust has been preserved. The head of the woman is tossed back, with fine facial features, merely sketched neck, long hair, combed back, and prominent bust. In grave 1 of the necropolis of Rt, a massive ring was placed, ellipsoid in shape, made from one piece of amber, with a relief representation of a dog, lying down on the right side, relaxed. The hair of the dog is long and wavy, accentuated with engraved lines. The front part of the animal is missing – head, neck, and part of the legs. On the basis of analogies, both items can be dated into the end of the 1st – the middle of the 2nd century. Various items made of amber, worn and gifted as tokens of affection, loyalty, gratitude, aside from their aesthetic role, also had a prophylactic role in both worlds. They were placed in graves of women, children, newborns. Even today, amber jewellery is placed around the hands and necks of babies in order to protect them.
The population from western provinces which settled in the mining region of Kosmaj, especially Liburnian, could have brought amber items, as a part of their heritage, to Kosmaj. We cannot exclude the possibility, either, that they were in possession of the local population, impoverished with the arrival of the Romans. Precious jewellery would have been inherited, kept or received as a gift through family connections with wealthier members of the community. The ring with the female bust from the grave at Gomilice could have been specially made for someone dear. There is the possibility that some of the examples hadn’t been the property or intended for a given buried deceased individual. As a transmitter of sorts, they could have been buried for someone who had previously died, for any reason. The rings from Gomilice and Rt, dated into the end of the 1st – the middle of the 2nd century, had been made in some of the workshops of Aquileia. As for the fragmented items in the form of animals, which may have been grave goods in one of the devastated necropoles, it is not possible to say with certainty where they were made. While we have not found an analogy for the figure of the lion, the fragmented items in the shape of a pig and a hippopotamus (?) can be assumed to be Italic products. Placed in the graves of women, children, newborns, the most vulnerable categories of the society in the Empire, and also Kosmaj, they were to enhance protection, healing, to bring joy, and they represent a wish for the accomplishment of those things that were interrupted with the death of a given individual, with affection and belief in lasting good.
Зборник Народног музеја Србије. Археологија = Recueil du Musée national de Serbie. Archéologie
A CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF AMBER JEWELLERY FROM THE KOSMAJ COLLECTION OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM ... more A CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF AMBER JEWELLERY FROM THE KOSMAJ COLLECTION OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SERBIA According to the number of discovered items made of amber, aside from Singidunum and Viminacium in Upper Moesia, the mining region of Kosmaj also stands out (fig. 1). Two rings haven’t been published previously – one with a female bust depicted, placed as an offering into grave 168 (fig. 2), with incineration, of the Mala Kopašnica Sase II type, at the necropolis of Gomilice, ter. inv. 547 (fig. 3), and another, with a representation of a dog, placed in grave 1 of the same type (fig. 4), at the nearby necropolis of Rt, in the area of the village of Guberevac, inv. no. G 957 (fig. 5 a–g). For three fragmented items, inv. no. G 958, in the form of animals – a lion (lioness?) (fig. 6 a–b), a pig (boar?) (fig. 7) and a hippopotamus (?) (fig. 8), discovered during the research of this area, there is no information about the place of discovery, except for the preserved, illegible year (1956?). Aside from the ring with the female bust, which wasn’t found during the inventorying of grave goods, all the mentioned items are a part of the Kosmaj Collection of the National Museum of Serbia. Only a drawing of the ring with the female bust has been preserved. The head of the woman is tossed back, with fine facial features, merely sketched neck, long hair, combed back, and prominent bust. In grave 1 of the necropolis of Rt, a massive ring was placed, ellipsoid in shape, made from one piece of amber, with a relief representation of a dog, lying down on the right side, relaxed. The hair of the dog is long and wavy, accentuated with engraved lines. The front part of the animal is missing – head, neck, and part of the legs. On the basis of analogies, both items can be dated into the end of the 1st – the middle of the 2nd century. Various items made of amber, worn and gifted as tokens of affection, loyalty, gratitude, aside from their aesthetic role, also had a prophylactic role in both worlds. They were placed in graves of women, children, newborns. Even today, amber jewellery is placed around the hands and necks of babies in order to protect them. The population from western provinces which settled in the mining region of Kosmaj, especially Liburnian, could have brought amber items, as a part of their heritage, to Kosmaj. We cannot exclude the possibility, either, that they were in possession of the local population, impoverished with the arrival of the Romans. Precious jewellery would have been inherited, kept or received as a gift through family connections with wealthier members of the community. The ring with the female bust from the grave at Gomilice could have been specially made for someone dear. There is the possibility that some of the examples hadn’t been the property or intended for a given buried deceased individual. As a transmitter of sorts, they could have been buried for someone who had previously died, for any reason. The rings from Gomilice and Rt, dated into the end of the 1st – the middle of the 2nd century, had been made in some of the workshops of Aquileia. As for the fragmented items in the form of animals, which may have been grave goods in one of the devastated necropoles, it is not possible to say with certainty where they were made. While we have not found an analogy for the figure of the lion, the fragmented items in the shape of a pig and a hippopotamus (?) can be assumed to be Italic products. Placed in the graves of women, children, newborns, the most vulnerable categories of the society in the Empire, and also Kosmaj, they were to enhance protection, healing, to bring joy, and they represent a wish for the accomplishment of those things that were interrupted with the death of a given individual, with affection and belief in lasting good.
Археолошким ископавањима Народног музеја у Београду, изведеним у периоду од 1960. до 1978. године... more Археолошким ископавањима Народног музеја у Београду, изведеним у периоду од 1960. до 1978. године, на некрополи Губеревац – Гомилице, која је предмет рада, констатовано је 370 гробова спаљених покојника и два устринума. На основу конструкције готово сви откривени гробови на Гомилицама припадају типу аутохтоних гробних форми познатих као Мала Копашница – Сасе тип I и II (МКС I и МКС II), а само у два гроба остаци су похрањени у оловне саркофаге и у једном случају у керамичку зделу – урну. Сахрањивање у гробовима са рашчлањеном гробном раком типа МКС II је доминантније. Похрањени предмети од керамике, стакла, метала, као и новац, хронолошки су опредељени од друге половине I до средине III века. Остаци скелета нису сачувани тако да није било могуће установити полну и старосну структуру сахрањених. Приликом израде рада, осим анализе гробних прилога са некрополе који се чувају у Збирци Космај Народног музеја у Београду, у истраживању саме некрополе коришћена је доступна документација Арх...
ABSTRACT Vessel and window glass fragments from the Roman archeological site at Mt. Kosmaj, Serbi... more ABSTRACT Vessel and window glass fragments from the Roman archeological site at Mt. Kosmaj, Serbia, were investigated by means of PIXE and PIGE techniques. Window glass was also investigated by optical microscopy. Results show soda-lime-silica composition of all samples. Statistical evaluation was conducted by cluster analysis. Comparison was made with well-defined glass groups from other sites of the Roman Empire, including in the Balkans. This revealed the greatest similarity with Levantine materials. Glasses of similar composition can be found on the main trade routes coming from the region of Adria from the west or from the coast of the Black Sea at east.
Vessel and window glass fragments from the Roman archeological site at Mt. Kosmaj, Serbia, were i... more Vessel and window glass fragments from the Roman archeological site at Mt. Kosmaj, Serbia, were investigated by means of PIXE and PIGE techniques. Window glass was also investigated by optical microscopy. Results show soda-lime-silica composition of all samples. Statistical evaluation was conducted by cluster analysis. Comparison was made with well-defined glass groups from other sites of the Roman Empire, including in the Balkans. This revealed the greatest similarity with Levantine materials. Glasses of similar composition can be found on the main trade routes coming from the region of Adria from the west or from the coast of the Black Sea at east.
Апстракт: На некрополи спаљених покојника Гомилице у Губеревцу, у гробо-
ве 134 и 334 похрањени с... more Апстракт: На некрополи спаљених покојника Гомилице у Губеревцу, у гробо- ве 134 и 334 похрањени су прозирни горски кристали хексагоналног облика. На основу прилога, гробови су хронолошки опредељени у прву половину II, односно у II и прву половину III века. Кључне речи: прозирни горски кристал, некропола Гомилице, Губеревац, симболика, II–III век
ROCK CRYSTALS AS GRAVE GOODS AT THE GOMILICE NECROPOLIS AT GUBEREVAC SUMMARY In the course of systematic excavations at the Gomilice necropolis, transparent rock crystals was unearthed from Graves 134 and 334 respectively. Based on the grave goods, Grave 134 can be dated to the first half of the 3rd century AD and Grave 334 to the first half of the 2nd century AD. Both crystals are hexagonal in shape, with evenly formed rectangular sides (facets). Both ends of the artefact from Grave 134 (Figs. 1, 2) are unevenly cut at a slant, whereas both ends (tips) of the one from Grave 334 (Figs. 3, 4), shaped in the form of a regular hexagonal prism, have been preserved. Crystals can often be found in nature as part of the natural druse and were deposited in graves uncut. So far, we have not found any examples of the same practice of depositing rock crystals in their natural form. We can only speculate about the reasons why they were deposited in graves and about their function before and during the burial rite. Crystals could easily be found in mine shafts and, due to their exquisite beauty, they were collected and brought home, where they served as decoration and also as tools, optical instruments or toys (?). As they were the property of a deceased person, they were deposited in their grave. Since the crystals were believed to possess power, they could have been used for healing and prophylaxis before being deposited in the grave, or they may have been used as a means of prophesying and invoking the soul of the deceased. A connection between the symbolism and meaning of the number of facets on a crystal and the philosophical teachings of the Neo-Pythagoreans and the Neo-Platonists is not very likely. We presume that the local inhabitants were aware of the special role crystals and their shape and number of facets played in the customs and beliefs of their ancestors. At the same time, however, we cannot link them with a particular deity. Most probably, here we also have an example of syncretism, evident from the grave goods at Gomilice. In addition to cults so far unrecorded in our parts, such as the cult of Venus Libitina and the curse tablets deposited in the necropolis, the deposited crystals testify to the cosmopolitanism of the Kosmaj mining district.
Апстракт: Током систематских ископавања некрополе Гомилице у Губеревцу на Космају, у гробу 109, о... more Апстракт: Током систематских ископавања некрополе Гомилице у Губеревцу на Космају, у гробу 109, осим уобичајених прилога, нађене су две оловне плочице (tabellae defixionvm) са урезаним натписима. Приликом стављања у гроб биле су преломљене, односно пресавијене, а трагови на њима показују да су биле фиксиране ексерима. У натписима се јављају само лична имена, без магијских формула. На основу осталих гробних прилога, определили смо их у II–III век.
Abstract: Two inscribed lead tabellae defixionum were uncovered during the excavations of the grave 109 in the necropolis Guberevac-Gomilice on the mountain of Kosmaj. The tablets have been folded and fixed with nails. They contain only personal names, without magical words or phrases. The burial goods from the grave 109 suggest that the curse tablets should be dated to the second or third century A.D.
Апстракт: Приликом систематских археолошких ископавања
космајске некрополе Губеревац–Гомилице, ис... more Апстракт: Приликом систематских археолошких ископавања космајске некрополе Губеревац–Гомилице, истражени су гробови типа Мала Копашница–Сасе. У конструкцији шест гробова уочене су оловне либационе цеви и керамички тубулус. На основу гробних прилога, датовани су у II–III век.
Кључне речи: Космај, некропола, Мала Копашница–Сасе II, ли ба ци - оне цеви, II–III век.
Graves with libation Pipes at Kosmaj Necropolis The remains of cremated deceased persons at the necropolis Guberevac – Gomilice were placed in the graves known in literature as graves of Mala Kopašnica – Sase type (Јовановић 1984: 100-112). Besides recognizable elements characteristic of the structure of graves of this type in five of the graves – graves 149, 204 and 220 (investigated in 1962) and 258 and 268 (excavations in 1974) have been recorded lead libation pipes and ceramic tubule in grave 84 excavated in 1961. The fragmented ceramic tubule was part of the libation pipe. The graves are attributed to Mala Kopašnica-Sase II type. We dated the graves with libation pipes to the 2nd century except grave 84 with ceramic tubule that is dated to the 2nd – 3rd century. The libation pipes were used as instrument for establishing connection with the deceased or indirectly through him with the gods of underworld, other members of the community and the ancestors. In addition it was believed that someone could be damned by certain magic rituals (inserting messages or pouring liquid sacrifice in the libation pipe). The appearance of lead pipes at the Kosmaj necropolis (except for ceramic one) is logical considering the mining area where the necropolis was situated. The lead as metal of Venus had been placed in the house foundations as cult and prophylactic symbol (Јовановић 2007: 59). A. Jovanovic agrees with authors, who relate libation pipes at the necropoles of the Roman Empire to the population of Greek or Oriental origin, but at the same time he is of the opinion that in our region we could not fully ascribe this phenomenon to the population from this area (Јовановић 1984: 105). We could agree with his assumption ‘about certain autochthonous character of this sepulchral practice in our territory that was basically connected with Greek traditions but had local evolution’.
Апстракт: У раду је представљен прстен у облику спирално увијене змије, нађен у просторији 1 зида... more Апстракт: У раду је представљен прстен у облику спирално увијене змије, нађен у просторији 1 зидане породичне гробнице типа area maceria cincta на локалитету Река у Губеревцу. Масиван је, израђен од сребра, са златном оплатом по површини главе прстена змије. Датован је у другу половину II, почетак III века. Кључне речи: накит, прстен у облику змије, Космај, Губеревац, гробница area maceria cincta, II-III век
SNAKE-SHAPED FINGER RING FROM THE KOSMAJ TOMB SUMMARY Investigations at the site Reka in Guberevac as part of an international scientific and investigation project brought to light aboveground masonry family tombs known as area maceria cincta. In the 1987 campaign massive silver finger ring shaped as common viper was discovered in room 1 of tomb 1. Hoop - that is the body of snake of circular section is spirally wound and from short tail where it is thinnest it gradually expands toward deltoid head. Head of finger ring (snake) is pronounced in relation to the body by gold plating, which was subsequently added. It is noticeable on the inside of ends, which are less carefully executed and that indicates prolonged use of the ring. Only half of the body (hoop) toward the head i decorated with engraved netlike ornament resembling scales on snake’s body thus creating the polychromatic impression. Owner of this finger ring belonged to the prominent family of the local aristocracy, which maintained its position also after Roman occupation as could be concluded considering the fact that he was buried in masonry family tomb. Recognizable symbolics and apotropaic meaning of finger ring shaped as snake bear witness about still existing Balkan-Danubian traditional forms, i.e. about the descent of its owner. This exceptional piece of jewelry made in the second half of the 2nd ‒ beginning of the 3rd century is just one of the elements of complex picture of mining region on the Kosmaj Mt.
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According to the number of discovered items made of amber, aside from Singidunum and Viminacium in Upper Moesia, the mining region of Kosmaj also stands out (fig. 1). Two rings haven’t been published previously – one with a female bust depicted, placed as an offering into grave 168 (fig. 2), with incineration, of the Mala Kopašnica Sase II type, at the necropolis of Gomilice, ter. inv. 547 (fig. 3), and another, with a representation of a dog, placed in grave 1 of the same type (fig. 4), at the nearby necropolis of Rt, in the area of the village of Guberevac, inv. no. G 957 (fig. 5 a–g). For three fragmented items, inv. no. G 958, in the form of animals – a lion (lioness?) (fig. 6 a–b), a pig (boar?) (fig. 7) and a hippopotamus (?) (fig. 8), discovered during the research of this area, there is no information about the place of discovery, except for the preserved, illegible year (1956?). Aside from the ring with the female bust, which wasn’t found during the inventorying of grave goods, all the mentioned items are a part of the Kosmaj Collection of the National Museum of Serbia. Only a drawing of the ring with the female bust has been preserved. The head of the woman is tossed back, with fine facial features, merely sketched neck, long hair, combed back, and prominent bust. In grave 1 of the necropolis of Rt, a massive ring was placed, ellipsoid in shape, made from one piece of amber, with a relief representation of a dog, lying down on the right side, relaxed. The hair of the dog is long and wavy, accentuated with engraved lines. The front part of the animal is missing – head, neck, and part of the legs. On the basis of analogies, both items can be dated into the end of the 1st – the middle of the 2nd century. Various items made of amber, worn and gifted as tokens of affection, loyalty, gratitude, aside from their aesthetic role, also had a prophylactic role in both worlds. They were placed in graves of women, children, newborns. Even today, amber jewellery is placed around the hands and necks of babies in order to protect them.
The population from western provinces which settled in the mining region of Kosmaj, especially Liburnian, could have brought amber items, as a part of their heritage, to Kosmaj. We cannot exclude the possibility, either, that they were in possession of the local population, impoverished with the arrival of the Romans. Precious jewellery would have been inherited, kept or received as a gift through family connections with wealthier members of the community. The ring with the female bust from the grave at Gomilice could have been specially made for someone dear. There is the possibility that some of the examples hadn’t been the property or intended for a given buried deceased individual. As a transmitter of sorts, they could have been buried for someone who had previously died, for any reason. The rings from Gomilice and Rt, dated into the end of the 1st – the middle of the 2nd century, had been made in some of the workshops of Aquileia. As for the fragmented items in the form of animals, which may have been grave goods in one of the devastated necropoles, it is not possible to say with certainty where they were made. While we have not found an analogy for the figure of the lion, the fragmented items in the shape of a pig and a hippopotamus (?) can be assumed to be Italic products. Placed in the graves of women, children, newborns, the most vulnerable categories of the society in the Empire, and also Kosmaj, they were to enhance protection, healing, to bring joy, and they represent a wish for the accomplishment of those things that were interrupted with the death of a given individual, with affection and belief in lasting good.
ве 134 и 334 похрањени су прозирни горски кристали хексагоналног облика.
На основу прилога, гробови су хронолошки опредељени у прву половину II,
односно у II и прву половину III века.
Кључне речи: прозирни горски кристал, некропола Гомилице, Губеревац,
симболика, II–III век
ROCK CRYSTALS AS GRAVE GOODS AT THE GOMILICE NECROPOLIS
AT GUBEREVAC
SUMMARY
In the course of systematic excavations at the Gomilice necropolis, transparent rock crystals was unearthed from Graves 134 and 334 respectively. Based on the grave goods, Grave 134 can be dated to the first half of the 3rd century AD and Grave 334 to the first half of the 2nd century AD. Both crystals are hexagonal in shape, with evenly formed rectangular sides (facets). Both ends of the artefact from Grave 134 (Figs. 1, 2) are unevenly cut at a slant, whereas both ends (tips) of the one from Grave 334 (Figs. 3, 4), shaped in the form of a regular hexagonal prism, have been preserved.
Crystals can often be found in nature as part of the natural druse and were deposited in graves uncut. So far, we have not found any examples of the same practice of depositing rock crystals in their natural form. We can only speculate about the reasons why they were deposited in graves and about their function before and during the burial rite. Crystals could easily be found in mine shafts and, due to their exquisite beauty, they were collected and brought home, where they served as decoration and also as tools, optical instruments or toys (?). As they were the property of a deceased person, they were deposited in their grave. Since the crystals were believed to possess power, they could have been used for healing and prophylaxis before being deposited in the grave, or they may have been used as a means of prophesying and invoking the soul of the deceased. A connection between the symbolism and meaning of the number of facets on a crystal and the philosophical teachings of the Neo-Pythagoreans and the Neo-Platonists is not very likely. We presume that the local inhabitants were aware of the special role crystals and their shape and number of facets played in the customs and beliefs of their ancestors. At the same time, however, we cannot link them with a particular deity. Most probably, here
we also have an example of syncretism, evident from the grave goods at Gomilice. In addition to cults so far unrecorded in our parts, such as the cult of Venus Libitina and the curse tablets deposited in the necropolis, the deposited crystals testify to the cosmopolitanism of the Kosmaj mining district.
Abstract: Two inscribed lead tabellae defixionum were uncovered during the excavations of the grave 109 in the necropolis Guberevac-Gomilice on the mountain of Kosmaj. The tablets have been folded and fixed with nails. They contain only personal names, without magical words or phrases. The burial goods from the grave 109 suggest that the curse tablets should be dated to the second or third century A.D.
космајске некрополе Губеревац–Гомилице, истражени су гробови
типа Мала Копашница–Сасе. У конструкцији шест гробова
уочене су оловне либационе цеви и керамички тубулус. На основу
гробних прилога, датовани су у II–III век.
Кључне речи: Космај, некропола, Мала Копашница–Сасе II, ли ба ци -
оне цеви, II–III век.
Graves with libation Pipes at Kosmaj Necropolis
The remains of cremated deceased persons at the necropolis Guberevac – Gomilice were placed in the graves known in literature as graves of Mala Kopašnica – Sase type (Јовановић 1984: 100-112). Besides recognizable elements characteristic of the structure of graves of this type in five of the graves – graves 149, 204 and 220 (investigated in 1962) and 258 and 268 (excavations in 1974) have been recorded lead libation pipes and ceramic tubule in grave 84 excavated in 1961. The fragmented ceramic tubule was part of the libation pipe. The graves are attributed to Mala
Kopašnica-Sase II type. We dated the graves with libation pipes to the 2nd century except grave 84 with ceramic tubule that is dated to the 2nd – 3rd century.
The libation pipes were used as instrument for establishing connection with the deceased or indirectly through him with the gods of underworld, other members of the community and the ancestors. In addition it was believed that someone could be damned by certain magic rituals (inserting messages or pouring liquid sacrifice in the libation pipe). The appearance of lead pipes at the Kosmaj necropolis (except for ceramic one) is logical considering the mining area where the necropolis was situated. The lead as metal of Venus had been placed in the house foundations as cult and prophylactic symbol (Јовановић 2007: 59).
A. Jovanovic agrees with authors, who relate libation pipes at the necropoles of the Roman Empire to the population of Greek or Oriental origin, but at the same time he is of the opinion that in our region we could not fully ascribe this phenomenon to the population from this area (Јовановић 1984: 105). We could agree with his assumption ‘about certain autochthonous character of this sepulchral practice in our territory that was basically connected with Greek traditions but had local evolution’.
SNAKE-SHAPED FINGER RING FROM THE KOSMAJ TOMB
SUMMARY
Investigations at the site Reka in Guberevac as part of an international scientific and
investigation project brought to light aboveground masonry family tombs known as
area maceria cincta. In the 1987 campaign massive silver finger ring shaped as common viper was discovered in room 1 of tomb 1. Hoop - that is the body of snake of circular section is spirally wound and from short tail where it is thinnest it gradually expands toward deltoid head. Head of finger ring (snake) is pronounced in relation to the body by gold plating, which was subsequently added. It is noticeable on the inside of ends, which are less carefully executed and that indicates prolonged use of the ring. Only half of the body (hoop) toward the head i decorated with engraved netlike ornament resembling scales on snake’s body thus creating the polychromatic impression. Owner of this finger ring belonged to the prominent family of the local aristocracy, which maintained its position also after Roman occupation as could be concluded considering the fact that he was buried in masonry family tomb.
Recognizable symbolics and apotropaic meaning of finger ring shaped as snake bear
witness about still existing Balkan-Danubian traditional forms, i.e. about the descent of
its owner. This exceptional piece of jewelry made in the second half of the 2nd ‒ beginning of the 3rd century is just one of the elements of complex picture of mining region on the Kosmaj Mt.
According to the number of discovered items made of amber, aside from Singidunum and Viminacium in Upper Moesia, the mining region of Kosmaj also stands out (fig. 1). Two rings haven’t been published previously – one with a female bust depicted, placed as an offering into grave 168 (fig. 2), with incineration, of the Mala Kopašnica Sase II type, at the necropolis of Gomilice, ter. inv. 547 (fig. 3), and another, with a representation of a dog, placed in grave 1 of the same type (fig. 4), at the nearby necropolis of Rt, in the area of the village of Guberevac, inv. no. G 957 (fig. 5 a–g). For three fragmented items, inv. no. G 958, in the form of animals – a lion (lioness?) (fig. 6 a–b), a pig (boar?) (fig. 7) and a hippopotamus (?) (fig. 8), discovered during the research of this area, there is no information about the place of discovery, except for the preserved, illegible year (1956?). Aside from the ring with the female bust, which wasn’t found during the inventorying of grave goods, all the mentioned items are a part of the Kosmaj Collection of the National Museum of Serbia. Only a drawing of the ring with the female bust has been preserved. The head of the woman is tossed back, with fine facial features, merely sketched neck, long hair, combed back, and prominent bust. In grave 1 of the necropolis of Rt, a massive ring was placed, ellipsoid in shape, made from one piece of amber, with a relief representation of a dog, lying down on the right side, relaxed. The hair of the dog is long and wavy, accentuated with engraved lines. The front part of the animal is missing – head, neck, and part of the legs. On the basis of analogies, both items can be dated into the end of the 1st – the middle of the 2nd century. Various items made of amber, worn and gifted as tokens of affection, loyalty, gratitude, aside from their aesthetic role, also had a prophylactic role in both worlds. They were placed in graves of women, children, newborns. Even today, amber jewellery is placed around the hands and necks of babies in order to protect them.
The population from western provinces which settled in the mining region of Kosmaj, especially Liburnian, could have brought amber items, as a part of their heritage, to Kosmaj. We cannot exclude the possibility, either, that they were in possession of the local population, impoverished with the arrival of the Romans. Precious jewellery would have been inherited, kept or received as a gift through family connections with wealthier members of the community. The ring with the female bust from the grave at Gomilice could have been specially made for someone dear. There is the possibility that some of the examples hadn’t been the property or intended for a given buried deceased individual. As a transmitter of sorts, they could have been buried for someone who had previously died, for any reason. The rings from Gomilice and Rt, dated into the end of the 1st – the middle of the 2nd century, had been made in some of the workshops of Aquileia. As for the fragmented items in the form of animals, which may have been grave goods in one of the devastated necropoles, it is not possible to say with certainty where they were made. While we have not found an analogy for the figure of the lion, the fragmented items in the shape of a pig and a hippopotamus (?) can be assumed to be Italic products. Placed in the graves of women, children, newborns, the most vulnerable categories of the society in the Empire, and also Kosmaj, they were to enhance protection, healing, to bring joy, and they represent a wish for the accomplishment of those things that were interrupted with the death of a given individual, with affection and belief in lasting good.
ве 134 и 334 похрањени су прозирни горски кристали хексагоналног облика.
На основу прилога, гробови су хронолошки опредељени у прву половину II,
односно у II и прву половину III века.
Кључне речи: прозирни горски кристал, некропола Гомилице, Губеревац,
симболика, II–III век
ROCK CRYSTALS AS GRAVE GOODS AT THE GOMILICE NECROPOLIS
AT GUBEREVAC
SUMMARY
In the course of systematic excavations at the Gomilice necropolis, transparent rock crystals was unearthed from Graves 134 and 334 respectively. Based on the grave goods, Grave 134 can be dated to the first half of the 3rd century AD and Grave 334 to the first half of the 2nd century AD. Both crystals are hexagonal in shape, with evenly formed rectangular sides (facets). Both ends of the artefact from Grave 134 (Figs. 1, 2) are unevenly cut at a slant, whereas both ends (tips) of the one from Grave 334 (Figs. 3, 4), shaped in the form of a regular hexagonal prism, have been preserved.
Crystals can often be found in nature as part of the natural druse and were deposited in graves uncut. So far, we have not found any examples of the same practice of depositing rock crystals in their natural form. We can only speculate about the reasons why they were deposited in graves and about their function before and during the burial rite. Crystals could easily be found in mine shafts and, due to their exquisite beauty, they were collected and brought home, where they served as decoration and also as tools, optical instruments or toys (?). As they were the property of a deceased person, they were deposited in their grave. Since the crystals were believed to possess power, they could have been used for healing and prophylaxis before being deposited in the grave, or they may have been used as a means of prophesying and invoking the soul of the deceased. A connection between the symbolism and meaning of the number of facets on a crystal and the philosophical teachings of the Neo-Pythagoreans and the Neo-Platonists is not very likely. We presume that the local inhabitants were aware of the special role crystals and their shape and number of facets played in the customs and beliefs of their ancestors. At the same time, however, we cannot link them with a particular deity. Most probably, here
we also have an example of syncretism, evident from the grave goods at Gomilice. In addition to cults so far unrecorded in our parts, such as the cult of Venus Libitina and the curse tablets deposited in the necropolis, the deposited crystals testify to the cosmopolitanism of the Kosmaj mining district.
Abstract: Two inscribed lead tabellae defixionum were uncovered during the excavations of the grave 109 in the necropolis Guberevac-Gomilice on the mountain of Kosmaj. The tablets have been folded and fixed with nails. They contain only personal names, without magical words or phrases. The burial goods from the grave 109 suggest that the curse tablets should be dated to the second or third century A.D.
космајске некрополе Губеревац–Гомилице, истражени су гробови
типа Мала Копашница–Сасе. У конструкцији шест гробова
уочене су оловне либационе цеви и керамички тубулус. На основу
гробних прилога, датовани су у II–III век.
Кључне речи: Космај, некропола, Мала Копашница–Сасе II, ли ба ци -
оне цеви, II–III век.
Graves with libation Pipes at Kosmaj Necropolis
The remains of cremated deceased persons at the necropolis Guberevac – Gomilice were placed in the graves known in literature as graves of Mala Kopašnica – Sase type (Јовановић 1984: 100-112). Besides recognizable elements characteristic of the structure of graves of this type in five of the graves – graves 149, 204 and 220 (investigated in 1962) and 258 and 268 (excavations in 1974) have been recorded lead libation pipes and ceramic tubule in grave 84 excavated in 1961. The fragmented ceramic tubule was part of the libation pipe. The graves are attributed to Mala
Kopašnica-Sase II type. We dated the graves with libation pipes to the 2nd century except grave 84 with ceramic tubule that is dated to the 2nd – 3rd century.
The libation pipes were used as instrument for establishing connection with the deceased or indirectly through him with the gods of underworld, other members of the community and the ancestors. In addition it was believed that someone could be damned by certain magic rituals (inserting messages or pouring liquid sacrifice in the libation pipe). The appearance of lead pipes at the Kosmaj necropolis (except for ceramic one) is logical considering the mining area where the necropolis was situated. The lead as metal of Venus had been placed in the house foundations as cult and prophylactic symbol (Јовановић 2007: 59).
A. Jovanovic agrees with authors, who relate libation pipes at the necropoles of the Roman Empire to the population of Greek or Oriental origin, but at the same time he is of the opinion that in our region we could not fully ascribe this phenomenon to the population from this area (Јовановић 1984: 105). We could agree with his assumption ‘about certain autochthonous character of this sepulchral practice in our territory that was basically connected with Greek traditions but had local evolution’.
SNAKE-SHAPED FINGER RING FROM THE KOSMAJ TOMB
SUMMARY
Investigations at the site Reka in Guberevac as part of an international scientific and
investigation project brought to light aboveground masonry family tombs known as
area maceria cincta. In the 1987 campaign massive silver finger ring shaped as common viper was discovered in room 1 of tomb 1. Hoop - that is the body of snake of circular section is spirally wound and from short tail where it is thinnest it gradually expands toward deltoid head. Head of finger ring (snake) is pronounced in relation to the body by gold plating, which was subsequently added. It is noticeable on the inside of ends, which are less carefully executed and that indicates prolonged use of the ring. Only half of the body (hoop) toward the head i decorated with engraved netlike ornament resembling scales on snake’s body thus creating the polychromatic impression. Owner of this finger ring belonged to the prominent family of the local aristocracy, which maintained its position also after Roman occupation as could be concluded considering the fact that he was buried in masonry family tomb.
Recognizable symbolics and apotropaic meaning of finger ring shaped as snake bear
witness about still existing Balkan-Danubian traditional forms, i.e. about the descent of
its owner. This exceptional piece of jewelry made in the second half of the 2nd ‒ beginning of the 3rd century is just one of the elements of complex picture of mining region on the Kosmaj Mt.