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
Chain with S-shaped hook, bronze.
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. Tallinn. Read the book: here. Look at the drawings of the archaeological excavations: here.
Valk, H. & Laul, S. 2014. Siksälä kalme I: Muistis ja Ajalugu. Tartu ülikool, Ajaloo ja arheoloogia instituut, Tallinn.
Valjala hillfort
Rivet, iron.
Ring, bronze.
Valjala hillfort
Silver bead, profile ring ornamentation. Similar silver beads are known from Lõhavere and Tartu hill-forts. Probably dated to the 13th century.
Silver bead, profile ring ornamentation. Similar silver beads are known from Lõhavere and Tartu hill-forts. Probably dated to the 13th century.
Valjala hillfort
Javelin head with knife-shaped blade and twisted neck. This weapon type was widespread in Saaremaa and coastal Estonia. Similar items have been found at Valjala, Pöide and Muhu hillforts as well as in stone graves, but also in 13th-century inhumation graves at Pada, North-Estonia.
Javelin head with knife-shaped blade and twisted neck. This weapon type was widespread in Saaremaa and coastal Estonia. Similar items have been found at Valjala, Pöide and Muhu hillforts as well as in stone graves, but also in 13th-century inhumation graves at Pada, North-Estonia. At the exhibition of Saaremaa Museum.
Literature:
Peets, J. & Valt, J. 2011. Ühest rauaaja lõpu relvast Saaremaal, Mandri-Eestis ja naaberpiirkondades. – Saaremaa Muuseum, kaheaastaraamat 2009–2010 (3–29). Saaremaa Muuseum, Kuressaare.
Valjala hillfort
Bronze artefact, brooch (?). Dated according to the find context.
Bronze artefact, brooch (?). Dated according to the find context.
Knife.
Literature:
Peets, J. 2003. The power of iron. (Muinasaja teadus, 12). Tallinn, 245.
Knife.
Literature:
Peets, J. 2003. The power of iron. – Muinasaja teadus, 12. Tallinn, 245.
