Jewellery from the Iron Age Sites in the Vinica Region

Abstract

With the archaeological researches of the Iron Age sites in the Vinica region, which were carried out in the period from 1980/81. until 2022 a large number of samples of metal and ceramic objects were discovered. Most of the metal items were discovered in the graves of the necropolises: Kršlanski gumenja, Kokolov hill and Rusalinski cemetery in the area of the village of Vinicka Kršla. A few more metal samples, which are kept in the private collection of our fellow citizen Risto Popov, come from several iron age sites in the region. Of particular importance are the samples of jewellery made of bronze, which consist of the following types: fibulae, bracelets, amulets (pendants), neck jewellery, the cult bronzes, etc. The earliest are dated from the period of the full or developed Iron Age (VIII-VII century BC) and the rest are from the period of VI-V BC. They were discovered in graves from tumular and flat necropolises with burials in stone cists or mounds with stones thrown over.  The variety of forms with their local characteristics indicate significant manifestations within the material culture and peculiarities of the Iron Age in the area, which belongs to the territory of the middle course of the river Bregalnica. Considering their cultural and chronological significance for the region, we believe that they deserve special attention.

Key words:

Jewellery, Iron Age, fibulae, Kokolov Hill