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.
Valjala hillfort
Bracelet, bronze. Bracelets made of multiple twisted wires have been dated to the 12th and 13th centuries and are mainly found in mainland Estonia, especially in Northern Estonia.
Bracelet, bronze. Bracelets made of multiple twisted wires have been dated to the 12th and 13th centuries and are mainly found in mainland Estonia, especially in Northern Estonia (Valk & Laul 2014, 118). Bracelets of this type were also widespread in the territories of the Votes and Izhorians as well as in Novgorod (Mägi 2002, 106). Since such bracelets occur mainly in inhumation graves and only seldom in cremations, they were probably taken into use in the very end of the 12th century.
Literature:
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.
Laul, S., Valk, H. 2014. Siksälä kalme, I. Muistis ja ajalugu. Tartu ülikool: Tartu.
Valjala hillfort
Ice cleat, iron.
Valjala hillfort
Bone pin.
Valjala hillfort
Sewing needle.
Valjala hillfort
Whetstone.
Spindle whorl.
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.
Valjala hillfort
Javelin head with short rhomboid blade and a long tang that thickens in the lowest part, iron.
Javelin head with short rhomboid blade and a long tang that thickens in the lowest part, iron. According to the context it can be dated mainly to the 12th-13th centuries, but as suggested by Brūzis, such rhomboid blades were also characteristic of 14th century javelins (Brūzis 2016, 120-121, Pl. I XIV).
Literature:
Brūzis R. 2016. Tuvcīņas ieroči Latvijā 14.–16. gadsimtā. – Rīga: Latvijas vēstures institūta apgāds.
Semi-manufactured row, iron. Such finds in Sigtuna have been associated with ship-building (Edberg 2013).
Literature:
Edberg, R. 2013. Subterranean Maritime Archaeology in Sigtuna, Sweden: Excavated evidence of Viking Age boat building and repair. – International Journal of Nautical Archaeology 42(1), 196-204.
Valjala hillfort
Potsherd.
