Database
Our database is free to use for all history and archaeology enthusiasts. If you use our database, please do not forget to cite correctly:
Mägi, Marika; Palm, Piia Sandra. Archaeological Artefacts of Saaremaa. Foundation Osiliana / Tallinn University. Accessed: date.
The Osiliana Archaeological Database presents artefacts from Saaremaa and the surrounding small islands.
The database contains mainly Iron Age and Medieval finds that can be classified.
Undated metal or other pieces were generally excluded from the database.
Ceramics are represented by isolated examples.
The database is a work in progress and is constantly being updated.
Knife shaft, bone/horn.
Literature:
Luik, H. 2004. Luuesemed hilisrauaaja linnamägedel Lõhavere, Soontagana, Varbola ja Valjala leidude põhjal. – A. Haak, E. Russow, A. Tvauri (Toim.). Linnusest ja linnast: uurimusi Vilma Trummali auks = About hillfort and town: studies in honour of Vilma Trummal (157−188). Tallinn, Tartu: Eesti Teaduste Akadeemia Kirjastus. (Muinasaja teadus; 14). Read the article: here.
Haak, A.; Russow, E.; Tvauri, A. (Koost. ja toim.). 2004. Linnusest ja linnast: uurimusi Vilma Trummali auks = About hillfort and town : studies in honour of Vilma Trummal. Tallinn, Tartu: Teaduste Akadeemia Kirjastus, p. 157-188.
Valjala hillfort
Penannular brooch pin, copper alloy.
Penannular brooch pin, copper alloy.
Valjala hillfort
Potsherds, wheel-thrown ceramic, decorated with wavy line.
Potsherds, wheel-thrown ceramic, decorated with wavy line.
Literature:
Tvauri, A. 2005. Latest Iron Age Pottery In Estonia (from the 11th century to the middle of the 13th century). – Muinasaja teadus, 16. Tartu-Tallinn, 60-61, joonis 38: 1. Read the article (ENG p. 161-163): here.
Valjala hillfort
Spiral.
Spindle whorl.
Valjala hillfort
Spiral.
Bone toggle.
Literature:
Luik, H. 2004. Luuesemed hilisrauaaja linnamägedel Lõhavere, Soontagana, Varbola ja Valjala leidude põhjal. – A. Haak, E. Russow, A. Tvauri (Toim.). Linnusest ja linnast: uurimusi Vilma Trummali auks = About hillfort and town: studies in honour of Vilma Trummal (157−188). Tallinn, Tartu: Eesti Teaduste Akadeemia Kirjastus. (Muinasaja teadus; 14). Read the article (ENG conclusion p. 185-188): here.
Chisel.
Valjala hillfort
Finger-ring, bronze. This type of finger-ring has a thickened middle section with engraved diagonal grooves. A well-known type of ring in the archaeological material of the Estonian islands often found in both stone graves with cremations as well as inhumation burials.
Finger-ring, bronze. This type of finger-ring has a thickened middle section with engraved diagonal grooves. A well-known type of ring in the archaeological material of the Estonian islands often found in both stone graves with cremations as well as inhumation burials. Could have come into use already during the 12th century AD (Mägi 2002, 109).
Literature:
Mägi, M.; Malve, M. & Toome, T. 2019. Early Christian burials at Valjala churchyard, Saaremaa.– Archaeological Fieldwork in Estonia, 2018, 93−118, 109. Read the article: here.
Mägi, M. 2002. At the Crossroads of Space and Time. Graves, Changing Society and Ideology on Saaremaa (Ösel), 9th–13th centuries AD. CCC papers: 6. Gotland University College, Centre for Baltic Studies; Institute of History, Department of Archaeology. Tallinn, 2002. Read the book: here. Look at the drawings of the archaeological excavations: here.
