Finds of Gold and Silver Ornaments of the People of the Wielbark Culture From the Area of the So-Called Eastern Zone of the Przeworsk Culture

Abstract

This paper presents finds of gold and silver ornaments characteristic of the Wielbark culture, originating from the eastern zone of the Przeworsk culture. The distinctiveness of the areas on the right bank of the Vistula occupied by the people of the Przeworsk culture has been repeatedly emphasised in the literature. This distinctiveness primarily manifests in a unique style, combining features typical of the Przeworsk culture with elements derived from other cultural areas, such as the Wielbark culture. The exceptional craftsmanship of goldsmiths is most evident in women’s ornaments, specifically in various forms of pendants and bracelets. The article provides descriptions of fifteen gold and electrum ball and pear-shaped pendants, focusing on their internal variations and decorative elements like granulation or filigree. Additionally, the findings of bracelets from the discussed area are briefly outlined. The issue of sourcing non-ferrous metals required for crafting these ornaments is also explored. No outcrops of these materials were identified in the area occupied by the Wielbark and Przeworsk cultures. It is highly likely that these materials were obtained from the territories of the Roman Empire. However, it remains uncertain whether Roman coins could have been a source of these metals, considering the varying purity levels of coins during different emperors’ reigns. The identification of gold and silver objects within the grave goods of these cultures is hindered by the funeral practice of corpse-burning commonly employed during that era. Most findings exist in the form of small molten metal lumps, making identification impossible. Research and experiments involving the cremation of funeral pyres with grave goods have demonstrated that small non-ferrous metal ornaments almost entirely vanish, either fusing with the funeral pyre or melting to the point of becoming imperceptible. This underscores the possibility of such materials being present in the studied grave sites.