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P EU C E

SERIE NOU
XIII

2015

INSTITUTUL DE CERCETRI ECO-MUZEALE GAVRIL SIMION

Muzeul de Istorie i Arheologie

PEUCE
SERIE NOU

XIII
STUDII I CERCETRI
DE ISTORIE I ARHEOLOGIE

TULCEA 2015

Peuce, Serie Nou


Studii i cercetri de istorie i arheologie

ISSN: 0258-8102

Publicat de / Published by:

Institutul de Cercetri Eco-Muzeale Gavril Simion

Adresa / Address:

Str. Progresului, nr. 32, 820009, Tulcea, Romnia

Website:

http://www.revistapeuce.icemtl.ro/

Redactor ef / Editor-in-chief:

Cristian MICU

Redactor ef-adjunct/ Executive Editor:

Sorin-Cristian AILINCI

Comitetul consultativ / Advisory Board:

Acad. Dan BERINDEI; Acad. tefan TEFNESCU;


Acad. Rzvan THEODORESCU; Alexandru BARNEA;
Ioan OPRI

Colegiul de redacie / Editorial Board:

Alexandru AVRAM (Le Mans), Victor-Henrich


BAUMANN
(Tulcea),
Alexandru
BDESCU
(Bucureti), Nikolaus BOROFFKA (Berlin), Maurizio
BUORA (Udine), Albane BURENS (Toulouse), Laurent
CAROZZA (Toulouse), Mihai CONSTANTINESCU
(Bucureti), Laurent CHRZANOVSKI (Lattes), Florin
CURTA (Gainesville), Oana DAMIAN (Bucureti),
Anca DAN (Paris), Laura DIETRICH (Berlin), Oliver
DIETRICH (Berlin), Adrian IONI (Bucureti), Moshe
FISCHER (Tel Aviv),
Oleg LEVIKI (Chiinu),
Daniela Luminia LUPU (Bucureti), Lcrmioara
MANEA
(Tulcea),
Florian
MATEI-POPESCU
(Bucureti), Drago MNDESCU (Piteti), Florian
MIHAIL (Tulcea), Lucreiu MIHILESCU-BRLIBA
(Iai), Marian MOCANU (Tulcea), Iulian MOGA (Iai),
Decebal NEDU (Galai), George NUU (Tulcea), Andrei
OPAI (Iai), Valentin RADU (Bucureti), Andrei
SOFICARU (Bucureti), Aurel Daniel STNIC
(Tulcea), Bartomiej Sz. SZMONIEWSKI (Krakw),
Gabriel Mircea TALMACHI (Constana), Florin
TOPOLEANU (Tulcea), Alexandra Clara RLEA
(Bucureti), Aurel VLCU (Bucureti)

Tehnoredactare / Computer graphics:

Camelia KAIM

Consultani limbi strine / Language editors:

Albane BURENS (limba francez / French), Cristina


AILINCI (limba englez / English), Laura DIETRICH
(limba german / German).

Toate lucrrile publicate n revista PEUCE sunt recenzate de specialiti n domeniu


PEUCE is a peer-reviewed journal

CU P RI NS / SU M MA R Y

STUDII I NOTE DE ISTORIE VECHE I ARHEOLOGIE /


STUDIES AND NOTES IN ANCIENT HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY
Bogdan Petru NICULIC
Primele descoperiri de vestigii cucuteniene din Bucovina ................................................ 7
First Discoveries of Cucuteni Vestigies in Bucovina
Alexandra RLEA, Cristiana TTARU,
Migdonia GEORGESCU, Mihai FLOREA, Zizi BALT
The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov ......................................................................... 45
Victor Henrich BAUMANN
Despre un relief dionisiac descoperit la Tulcea ................................................................ 91
Dionysian bas-relief found in Tulcea
Corneliu BELDIMAN, Aurel-Daniel STNIC, Diana-Maria SZTANCS
IsacceaNoviodunum. Artefacte din materii dure animale descoperite n 2014................. 107
Isaccea-Noviodunum. Osseous Material Artefacts Found in 2014
CERCETRI ARHEOLOGICE / ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCHES
Gabriel TALMACHI, Constantin OVA
Observaii privind casa urban roman trzie (domus) din provincia Scythia Minor
i alte descoperiri arheologice din sectorul SUD-CI de la Tropaeum Traiani ............. 137
Observations on Late Urban Roman Houses (domus) in Scythya Minor
and Others Archeological Finds from South-CI Sector at Tropaeum Traiani
NUMISMATIC / NUMISMATICS
Aurel VLCU
La diffusion de lor monnay au nord du Danube la fin du IVe sicle av. J.-C.
et les guerres des diadoques .............................................................................................. 193
ANTROPOLOGIE / ANTHROPOLOGY
Mihai CONSTANTINESCU
Despre osemintele umane descoperite la Cheile Dobrogei Petera Craniilor,
(jud. Constana) .................................................................................................................... 209
Comments on the Human Bones Found at Skulls Cave-Cheile Dobrogei

RECENZII I NOTE BIBLIOGRAFICE / REVIEWS AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC NOTES


George Bodi, Radu Prnu, Mihaela Danu, Romeo Cavaleriu, Cercetri interdisciplinare n
neo-eneoliticul din nord-estul Romniei, Editura Universitii Alexandrul Ioan Cuza, Iai,
2013, 181 p., 51 fig. (Florian MIHAIL) ................................................................................ 223
Dumitru Boghian, Sergiu-Constantin Enea, Sorin Igntescu, Luminia Bejenaru, Simina
Margareta Stanc, Comunitile cucuteniene din zona Trgului Frumos. Cercetri
interdisciplinare n siturile de la Costeti i Giurgeti, Editura Universitii Alexandru Ioan
Cuza, Iai, 2014, 321 p., 123 pl. (Florian MIHAIL) ........................................................... 226
Radu Bjenaru, Sfritul bronzului timpuriu n regiunea dinre Carpai i Dunre, Editura
Argonaut, Cluj-Napoca, 2014, 340 p., 86 fig., 68 pl., 11 hri (ISBN 978-973-109-492-2)
(Sorin-Cristian AILINCI) ................................................................................................. 230
Alin Frnculeasa, Cimitirul din epoca bronzului de la Cmpina (jud. Prahova), Editura
Cetatea de Scaun, Trgovite, 2014, 535 p. (ISBN 978-606-537-241-2) (Sorin-Cristian
AILINCI) ............................................................................................................................ 232
Ion Niculi, Andrei Nicic, Aezarea i necropola din prima epoc a fierului Saharnaiglu,
Biblioteca Tyragetia, XXV, Chiinu 2014, 190 p., 25 tabele i 209 figuri (Diana STAN) .. 234

Abrevieri / List of abbreviations .......................................................................................... 237


Publicaiile Institutului de Cercetri Eco-Muzeale Tulcea ............................................ 239
Condiii de redactare a lucrrilor pentru revista PEUCE .............................................. 243
Submission of manuscripts for PEUCE journal ................................................................... 246

PRIMELE DESCOPERIRI DE VESTIGII CUCUTENIENE


DIN BUCOVINA

Bogdan Petru Niculic

Motto:
Cte pturi de prundi s-au aezat aici din viaa popoarelor din trecut? Istoria cea mai detaliat n-ar fi n stare s o
descrie cu acea acurate cu care vorbete mozaicul arheologic din aceste pturi. i cte de aceste ruine aflm pe
teritoriul ntreg locuit de Romni, care n cea mai mare parte-s nc necunoscute tiinei. S le dispreuim ca lucruri
fr de nici o valoare i s aruncm obiectele aflate n ele ntr-o parte? Sau s le adunm i s le conservm pentru
tiin? i numrul acestor ruine de pe teritoriile locuite de Romni e foarte mare i mai fiecare an descoper noi, cci
aici n aceast parte a Europei vandalismul popoarelor a fost aa de mare, nct chiar ruinele au fost acoperite de rn,
peste care cresc acum arbori seculari. nsemntatea lor pentru tiin e foarte mare. S ne nchipuim toate aceste ruine
dezgropate dup sistemul sus artat i am vede imense comori preioase scoase la iveal pentru tiin. Tot pmntul
Daciei ni s-ar nfia n goliciunea aceea, ce pare a ne insufla privirea lui de astzi. Atunci ne-ar apare fiecare obiect,
ce l-am scoate din mozaicul pturilor acestor ruine prundie, ca o scul mare, pentru a crei conservare am tremura i
ne-am da toat silina de a aduce cu tiina pozitiv n concordan i a-i da explicaia ce i se cuvine. N-am mai
mpinge-o din dispre cu piciorul, ci am sruta-o ca o rmi scump a unui trecut glorios al rii noastre. Toate
aceste lucruri le-am compara cu obiectele ntrebuinate de noi i n diferina lor am cuta s gsim progresul omenirii
i al nostru.
(Dionisie Olinescu, Convorbiri arheologice. Cu privire la romni, n Familia, XXV, 18/30 iunie 1889, p. 292)

Abstract: This study aims to put emphasis for the first time on a chapter in the long and
fascinating history of Cucuteni culture in Bucovina. This historic region that existed for 143 years (17751918), administered at first by the Habsburg Empire, followed by the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, draws
special interest. Here, in a small and remote Austrian province, remarkable finds surfaced, being part of
both Romanian and Austrian archaeology and of European historiographic landscape. The exceptional
value of the prehistoric sites and artefacts from Bucovina ascribed to Cucuteni civilization drew the
interest of Vienna authorities that, following the early practices, sent their best specialists to catalogue,
research and publish the finds. The catalysts were The Central Commission for the research and
conservation of the historical and artistic monuments/Zentralkommission fr Erforschung und
Erhaltung der Kunst-und historischen Denkmale and The Anthropology Society/Anthropologische
Gessellschaft, through their professionals and prestigious publications (Jahrbuch and
Mittheilungen).
The publication in Vienna in 1899 of the impressive monography Die sterreichisch-ungarische
Monarchie in Wort und Bild. Bukowina where Josef Szombathy published a documented chapter entitled

Muzeul Bucovinei, tefan cel Mare 33, 720003, Suceava, Romnia, niculicab@yahoo.com.
PEUCE, S.N. XIII, 2015, p. 7 - 44

Bogdan Petru NICULIC

Vorgeschichte, amply presenting the prehistoric finds in Bucovina, crowns researches of both Austrian
specialists and Romanian cultural figures in Bucovina over several years.
Karl A. Romstorfer, Raimund F. Kaindl and Josef Szombathy carried out meritorious work of
recovery and publication of the unearthed archaeological material, therefore we may consider them real
pioneers of Cucuteni culture research. Thanks to them and to some warm-hearted Romanian or Austrian
researchers born in Bucovina, of whom we selectively mention Dionisie Olinescu, Constantin Morariu,
Vasile Tomiuc, Vasile Arici, Emanuel de Costin, Otto Petrino, Josef von Gutter, Heinrich Klauser,
Cucuteni vestiges of impressively beautiful shapes and painted motifs were unearthed, drawn, restored
and exhibited in the museums of Vienna and Chernivtsi. The foundation of the two archaeological
societies in Bucovina Society of the Museum of Siret and the Romanian Archaeological Society of
Chernivtsi along with the set up in 1875 of Franz Joseph University of Chernivtsi (1875) and of the
Museum of the Country of Bucovina (1893) had a major impact not only on prehistoric research, but
also on the conservation, display and publication of the discovered archaeological materials. All these
data, synthetically presented in this study, are part of the pioneering phase of archaeology, the phase of
recovery of the first vestiges of Cucuteni culture in Bucovina. Although at that time (second half of the
19th century) their discoverers did not know its real name, the value of the information transmitted to
present times is extraordinary.
Rezumat: Studiul de fa i propune evidenierea, n premier, a unui fragment din
ndelungata i fascinanta istorie a culturii Cucuteni, din cuprinsul provinciei Bucovina. Acest spaiu
istoric, cu o existen de 143 de ani (1775-1918), administrat la nceputuri de Imperiul Habsburgic,
ulterior de cel Austro-Ungar, prezint un interes aparte; aici, ntr-o mic i ndeprtat provincie
austriac s-au fcut descoperiri remarcabile, care fac parte nu doar din istoria arheologiei romneti i
austriece, ci i din ansamblul peisajului istoriografic european. Valoarea excepional a siturilor i a
obiectelor preistorice din Bucovina, dovedite mai trziu ca aparinnd civilizaiei cucuteniene, a
suscitat interesul autoritilor vieneze, care, conform practicilor acelor timpuri, a trimis pe cei mai
buni specialiti s le repertorieze, s le cerceteze i s le publice. Factorii determinai au fost, firete,
cele dou instituii de anvergur din Viena: Comisia Central pentru cercetarea i conservarea
monumentelor istorice i de art / Zentralkommission fr Erforschung und Erhaltung der Kunstund historischen Denkmale i Societatea de Antropologie / Anthropologische Gessellschaft, att
prin specialiti, ct i prin prestigioasele lor publicaii (Jahrbuch i Mittheilungen). Totodat,
apariia la Viena, n anul 1899, a impresionantei monografii Die sterreichisch -ungarische
Monarchie in Wort und Bild. Bukowina, n care Josef Szombathy public un capitol documentat,
intitulat Vorgeschichte, n care sunt prezentate pe larg descoperirile preistorice din provincie,
reprezint ncununarea unor cercetri care au durat mai muli ani i la care au contribuit att
specialiti austrieci, ct i oameni de cultur romni din Bucovina.
Astfel, Karl A. Romstorfer, Raimund F. Kaindl i Josef Szombathy, au desfurat o activitate
meritorie, de recuperare i publicare a materialelor arheologice descoperite, ei putnd fi considerai
adevrai pionieri ai cercetrii culturii Cucuteni. Datorit lor, dar i unor inimoi cercettori romni
sau austrieci, unii nscui n Bucovina, dintre care amintim selectiv pe Dionisie Olinescu, Constantin
Morariu, Vasile Tomiuc, Vasile Arici, Emanuel de Costin, Otto Petrino, Josef von Gutter, Heinrich
Klauser, vestigiile cucuteniene, care i-au impresionat prin frumuseea formelor i a motivelor pictate,
au fost recuperate din adncul pmntului, desenate, restaurate i expuse n muzeele din Viena i

Primele descoperiri de vestigii cucuteniene din Bucovina

Cernui. n acelai timp, fondarea celor dou societi de arheologie din Bucovina: Societatea
Muzeului Siret i Societatea arheologic romn din Cernui, alturi de nfiinarea, n 1875, a
Universitii Francisco-Josefine din Cernui (1875) i a Muzeului rii Bucovinei (1893), a
avut un impact major n ceea ce privete nu doar cercetarea preistoriei, ci i a conservrii, expunerii i
publicrii materialelor arheologice descoperite. Toate aceste date, nfiate sintetic n intervenia de
fa, fac parte din etapa de pionierat a arheologiei, de recuperare a primelor vestigii aparinnd culturii
Cucuteni din cuprinsul Bucovinei, i, chiar dac la timpul acela (a doua jumtate a secolului al XIXlea) descoperitorii lor nu i-au cunoscut numele adevrat, valoarea informaiilor transmise pn la
noi, peste timp, este nepieritoare.
Keywords: Eneolithic, Cucuteni civilization, Bucovina, history of archaeology, Society of the
Museum of Siret, Romanian Archaeological Society of Chernivtsi, Museum of the Country of Bucovina.
Cuvinte cheie: eneolitic, civilizaia Cucuteni, Bucovina, istoria arheologiei, Societatea
Muzeului Siret, Societatea Arheologic Romn din Cernui, Muzeul rii Bucovinei.

Pentru a putea reconstitui primii pai fcui n ceea ce privete descoperirea


vestigiilor culturii Cucuteni din Bucovina, credem c, mai nti, este necesar o
acomodare cu realitatea istoric a epocii, i, mai ales, o nelegere i percepere
corect a realitii celuilalt. Aceasta pentru c, de multe ori, cnd se vorbete
despre Bucovina, exist o nuan accentuat de naionalism, care trebuie
nlturat, ea mpiedicnd judecata corect a unor fenomene sociale, culturale,
politice sau de alt natur. n realitate, Bucovina reprezint o construcie alogen,
o provincie istoric pe care noi trebuie s o judecm ca aparinnd, n primul rnd,
unor realiti politice specifice sec. XVIII-XIX i nceputului sec. al XX-lea, realiti
la care romnii au trebuit s se raporteze. Aadar, cnd ne referim la Bucovina,
trebuie s i nelegem caracterul de provincie austriac (a Imperiului Habsburgic
i, mai trziu, din 1867, Austro-Ungar), care, n funcie de aceti parametri, a
beneficiat de cadrul legislativ i instituional n vigoare, manifestat n ntreg
cuprinsul Imperiului.
ntre 1775-1918, pe parcursul celor aproape 150 de ani de existen, pot fi
recunoscute mai multe elemente cheie, care au jucat un rol definitoriu n apariia,
dezvoltarea i recunoaterea internaional a preocuprilor arheologice din Bucovina.
Am avut prilejul, recent, s ne referim la aspecte care in de politica imperial, perfect
coordonat de la Viena, concretizat, n ceea ce privete Bucovina, n apariia formelor
preliminare de organizare instituional: societi arheologice, care au stat, mai trziu,
la baza fondrii edificiului cultural esenial, denumit simbolic Muzeul rii Bucovinei
(14 mai 1893).

10

Bogdan Petru NICULIC

Pl. I.

Personaliti ale arheologiei din Bucovina sec. al XIX-lea, al cror nume se leag de
cercetarea vestigiilor aparinnd culturii Cucuteni / Personalities of archeology in 19th
century Bucovina linked to the research of Cucuteni culture vestiges.

Dar, mai nti, trebuie s menionm rolul deosebit de important jucat n


epoc de cele dou instituii vieneze: Comisia Central pentru cercetarea i conservarea
monumentelor istorice i de art / Zentralkommission fr Erforschung und Erhaltung der
Kunst-und historischen Denkmale i Societatea de Antropologie / Anthropologische
Gessellschaft. Comisia Central; prima, din Viena, a editat dou periodice, intitulate
Mittheilungen der Central-Commission i Jahrbuch der Central-Commission1, n timp ce
Societatea de Antropologie a tiprit Mittheilungen der Anthropologischen Gessellschaft;
aceste publicaii, de nalt inut tiinific i de larg circulaie european, au
condemsat, n paginile lor, alturi de alte descoperiri arheologice i nu numai, din
cuprinsul Imperiului, i pe cele semnalate pe teritoriul provinciei Bucovina. Este
important s artm c, din punct de vedere organizatoric, Comisia Central din
Viena a numit, pentru fiecare provincie imperial n parte, conservatori i membri
1

Cu unele ntreruperi i modificri de titulatur (cf. Niculic 2009, 26).

Primele descoperiri de vestigii cucuteniene din Bucovina

11

corespondeni. Acest lucru s-a ntmplat i n cazul Bucovinei, pentru care s-a
stabilit un numr de trei conservatori i cinci membri corespondeni, care aveau
drept atribuii identificarea, repertorierea i publicarea datelor referitoare la
diversele categorii de descoperiri, fie ele de monument (biserici, mnstiri, situri
arheologice, cimitire) sau mobile (vestigii arheologice de genul: ceramic, piese de
cupru, bronz, monede, tezaure, documente istorice .a.) 2. Cel dinti conservator al
Bucovinei, numit de Comisia Central n anul 1856, a fost Andreas Mikulicz, n ale
crui atribuii intrau repertorierea descoperirilor arheologice i identificarea siturilor
ce urmau a fi investigate 3.
Trecnd n revist etapa de pionierat a arheologiei din Bucovina, remarcm
activitatea unor reprezentani ai intelectualitii romneti, care au dorit nfiinarea
unor instituii de anvergur (naionale i nu numai), dedicate acumulrii, conservrii
i prezentrii artefactelor caracteristice diferitelor domenii ale tiinei din acea
vreme: arheologie, istorie, numismatic, art, tiinele naturii etc. 4 Astfel, amintim
pe: Aron Pumnul, Eudoxiu Hurmuzachi i George cavaler de Costin, care au
urmrit nfiinarea unei societi arheologice n Bucovina, care s adune toate
descoperirile arheologice, fie de la colecionari, fie de pe urma spturilor, obiectivul
principal fiind acela de a nfiina un Muzeu Naional al provinciei. Toate aceste idei,
care se fceau auzite prin vocea unor oameni importani, fie politici, fie de cultur,
i-au gsit o susinere complementar n msurile pozitive, culturale, ale Imperiului.
Astfel ne explicm faptul c n Bucovina au aprut cu uurin, n scurt timp,
societi arheologice i instituii specializate 5. De asemenea, cercetarea arheologic
din Bucovina a fost girat calitativ i instituional, prin nfiinarea Societii Muzeului
Siret (1870), a Universitii din Cernui (1875), a Societii arheologice romne din
Bucovina (1886), a Muzeului rii Bucovinei din Cernui (1893) i a Muzeului orenesc
Suceava (1900). n cadrul acestor organizaii i instituii i-au desfurat activitatea
personaliti marcante ale vieii culturale din provincie: Josef von Gutter, Dionisie
Olinescu, Constantin Morariu, Karl A. Romstorfer, Raimund F. Kaindl, Simion
Florea Marian, Iraclie Porumbescu, tefan Repta, Animpodist Dachevici, Josef
2

4
5

Denumirea i atribuiile celor trei seciuni n care erau organizai conservatorii, aa cum au
fost ele gndite de Comisia Central din Viena, erau: seciunea I-a, pentru monumentele
preistorice, antice i cele din timpul migraiilor, pe lng aceasta pentru monedele din toate
timpurile; seciunea a II-a, pentru monumentele medievale i contemporane, cu excepia
celor scrise; seciunea a III-a, pentru monumentele scrise medievale i contemporane.
Niculic 2009, 26-27; Niculic 2013, 532; Niculic 2013a, 489, 497-498. Listele cu membrii
corespondeni i conservatorii pentru Bucovina au fost periodic publicate n Mittheilungen
der Central-Commission, precum i n Jahrbuch des Bukowiner Landes-Museums (Cernui).
Niculic 2013, 517-533.
Costin 1865, 12; Emandi 1985, 19-20; Olaru 2002, 79; Jumar 2005, 86; Niculic 2009, 28-29.

12

Bogdan Petru NICULIC

Fleischer, Vasile Morariu, Victor Prelicz, Heinrich Klauser, Dimitrie Isopescu, Franz
A. Wickenhauser, Franz cavaler Des Loges i muli alii 6. Acum, mai ales n ultimul
sfert de veac al sec. al XIX-lea, multe dintre descoperirile preistorice din Bucovina
sunt prezentate n diverse publicaii ale vremii, fie ele din provincie, din
Transilvania, din Regat (Bucureti) sau din capitala Imperiului: Jahrbuch des
Bukowiner Landes-Museums / Anuarul Muzeului rii Bucovinei (Cernui), Gazeta
Bucovinei, Patria, Czernowitzer Zeitung, Czernowitzer Wochenblatt, (Cernui), Revista
politic (Suceava), Voina Naional i Buletinul Societii Geografice Romne (Bucureti),
Familia (Oradea), Amicul Familiei (Gherla), Tribuna (Sibiu), Mittheilungen i Jahrbuch
der Central-Commission i Mittheilungen der Anthropologischen Geselschaft 7.
n cadrul interveniei de fa ncercm s evideniem descoperirile aparinnd
civilizaiei cucuteniene din Bucovina, despre care trebuie spus c, la vremea respectiv
(a doua jumtate a sec. al XIX-lea), au strnit admiraia i interesul tiinific al tuturor
celor care au avut prilejul s intre n contact direct cu producia ceramic, despre care
s-a remarcat n epoc, c reprezint un nalt nivel artistic. Punctm mai puin
personalitile, ntruct aceasta s-a fcut deja, ntr-un context mai larg8.
Este, ntr-adevr, dificil de apreciat care sunt primele vestigii cucuteniene
descoperite pe cuprinsul provinciei Bucovina. Cu puin indulgen am putea
accepta c unele toporae de piatr lefuit, perforate i neperforate, descoperite
nainte de 1870 aparin acestei strlucite civilizaii. Aceste informaii interesante i
aparin arheologului amator, baronul Otto von Petrino (1834-1884), fost conservator al
Comisiei Centrale din Viena pentru seciunea I-a (1870-1879), care a avut i unele
preocupri de geologie9. n scrisorile trimise de el din Sadagura, la 26 mai 1870, ctre
Franz von Hauer, membru al comitetului de redacie al revistei Mittheilungen der
Anthropologischen Gesselschaft in Wien (revista Societii de Antropologie din Viena,
nfiinat n 1870), apar referine despre topoarele de piatr descoperite la Kisseleu
(astzi Kiseliv / rom. Chislu, raion Kicman / rom. Cozmeni, regiunea Cernui,
Ucraina), Mamornia (astzi n raionul Hera, reg. Cernui), Suceava i Cernui (n

7
8
9

Ignat 1969, 93-a104; Emandi 1985, 14-33; Niculic 2009, 17-115; Niculic 2013, 517-522;
Niculic 2013a, 490-491
Niculic 2009, 17-18; Niculic 2013, 520-521.
Niculic 2009, 27-115; Niculic 2013, 517-533; Niculic 2013a, 487-502; Niculic 2014, 495-508.
A publicat n Jahrbuch der geologischen Reichsanstalt, Viena (1868, 1875). Vezi Kaindl 1893, 7274; Kaindl 1896, 5 i nota 2; Sbiera 1904a, vol. III, 577; Niculic 2009, 27 i nota 47; Niculic
2013, 523-524; Niculic 2013a, 491.

Primele descoperiri de vestigii cucuteniene din Bucovina

13

timpul lucrrilor pentru ridicarea palatului administrativ)10, confecionate probabil


din roci sedimentare11.

Pl. II. Prima pagin a studiului Charta archeologica a Bucovinei / First page of the study Charta
archeologica a Bucovinei (Olinescu 1894).
10
11

Petrino 1871, 109-110.


n iarn, n timpul prezenei mele la Viena v-am comunicat c n Bucovina s-au descoperit
unelte de piatr [] un topor de piatr druit de mine Muzeului Bucovinean, fr gaur
pentru coad i lefuit doar pe ti, care a fost descoperit n 1865 n Kisseleu []; un topor de
piatr din sienit, care se afl de asemenea n muzeu i a fost descoperit la Suceava, se pare c
aparine unei epoci mult mai trzii, dup prelucrarea i lefuirea sa [] Aceste unelte de piatr
erau fcute din pietre albe pmntoase, traversate de filoane ceva mai nchise la culoare, care
nu dispar cu acizi i au un miros distinct de argil (Petrino 1871, 110).

14

Bogdan Petru NICULIC

Pl. III. Harta arheologic a Bucovinei, publicat la Bucureti de Dionisie Olinescu / Archeological
map of Bucovina, published in Bucharest by Dionisie Olinescu (Olinescu 1894a).

Primele descoperiri de vestigii cucuteniene din Bucovina

15

n acei ani, un rsunet local i central l are activitatea lui Josef Eduard Ritter
von Gutter (1809-1886), fost primar al Siretului (Pl. XI/2-3), militar de carier, arheolog
i numismat amator, pe care l putem considera a fi primul arheolog al Bucovinei12. Josef
von Gutter a avut iniiativa de a fonda, n anul 1870, Societatea Muzeului Siret, prima
societate arheologic din Bucovina; menirea ei era de a colecta diverse obiecte pentru
viitorul Muzeu al rii Bucovinei (acesta a fost deschis la 14 mai 1893, sub numele de
Muzeul rii Bucovinei din Cernui). Activitatea sa rodnic a determinat numirea lui
n calitate de conservator al Comisiei Centrale din Viena n perioada 1880-1885, pentru
seciunea I-a. Alturi de faptul c a redactat, n manuscris (din pcate acesta s-a
pierdut), o cronic istoric a oraului Siret, von Gutter este descoperitorul primelor
monumente arheologice, care, mai trziu, vor fi atribuite culturii amforelor sferice de pe
teritoriul Romniei (mormintele de inhumaie n cutie de piatr de pe Dealul Iancului
de la Grniceti, jud. Suceava) i al primelor depozite de bronzuri din Bucovina:
Prelipca i Priscreni (azi n reg. Cernui). Alturi de aceste importante descoperiri,
el a menionat, cu mult zel, diverse obiecte preistorice, inclusiv neolitice din
Bucovina, cu predilecie pe cele din zona oraului Siret, unde a activat n cea mai mare
parte. Astzi, n coleciile Muzeului Bucovinei din Suceava (secia Muzeul Siret), se mai
pstreaz o statuet antropomorf feminin, aparinnd culturii Cucuteni, descoperit
de Gutter n zona crmidriei Beill de la Siret, la 2 m adncime; aceasta reprezint
prima descoperire aparinnd culturii Cucuteni din Bucovina, care a fost publicat (Pl.
XI/1a-b)13. A publicat n presa cernuean: Czernowitzer Zeitung, Czernowitzer
Wochenblatt i n Mittheilungen der Central-Commission (Viena)14.
Dispariia lui Josef von Gutter n primvara anului 1886 a produs un gol n
cercetarea arheologic din Bucovina. Se punea problema att a continurii activitii
neobositului arheolog amator, ct i a salvrii coleciilor adunate cu trud ani n ir. n
acest context, n acelai an apare, la Cernui, Societatea Arheologic Romn, fondat de
12

13
14

Despre Josef von Gutter vezi: Prelicz 1886, 31-32; Revista politic, I, nr. 7, 15 august 1886,
9; Reli 1927, 10-13; Gassauer 1933; Andrieescu 1936, 163, 169; Ignat 1969, 94-95; Satco
2004, I, 468; Niculic 2009, 29-35; Prelicz 2011, 74-77, 128-131; Niculic 2013, 524-525;
Niculic 2013a, 491-492.
*** Notizen. 135, in Mittheilungen, X. Jahrgang, N.F., 1884, CCXXIV i fig. 7.
Notiele respective din Mittheilungen der Central-Commission reprezint rapoarte (informri)
sintetice, uor modificate fa de forma lor original, ntocmite pe baza rapoartelor i drilor
de seam ale lui Josef von Gutter (*** Notizen. 21. Vom Serether Museum-Verein, in
Mittheilungen, VI. Jahrgang, N.F. 1880, LXXVI; *** Notizen. 45. (Die Hnengrber von
Graniczestie), in Mittheilungen, VI. Jahrgang, N.F. 1880, LXXXV; *** Notizen. 49, in
Mittheilungen, VII. Jahrgang, N.F. 1881, LXXX; *** Notizen. 135, in Mittheilungen, X. Jahrgang,
N.F. 1884, CCXXIV i fig. 7; *** Notizen. 121, in Mittheilungen, XI. Jahrgang, N.F. 1885, CXVII
i fig. 8 de la p. CVXI).

16

Bogdan Petru NICULIC

un alt arheolog amator, de aceast dat romn, Dionisie Olinescu (1852-1924) (Pl. I/1).
Am avut prilejul, recent, s ne oprim pe larg asupra activitii lui Dionisie Olinescu i
a societii sale15. Datorit meritelor sale deosebite, rezultat deopotriv al cercetrii de
teren, dar, mai cu seam de cabinet, D. Olinescu a fost numit membru corespondent al
Societii Geografice Romne (1886) i membru corespondent al Comisiei Centrale din
Viena (1891). A avut o susinut activitate publicistic, pe teme de istorie, geografie,
numismatic, fiind prezent i cu intervenii numeroase n pres, n special n revistele
de la Sibiu (Tribuna), Gherla (Amicul Familiei), Oradea (Familia), n care a prezentat
reportaje i sinteze ale vieii culturale din Bucovina, fcnd cunoscute totodat
descoperirile arheologice din provincie. A mai colaborat la Voina Naional
(Bucureti), Jahrbuch des Bukowiner Landes-Museums, Junimea Literar i Gazeta Bucovinei
(Cernui), Buletinul Societii Geografice Romne (Bucureti)16. Cea mai important
oper a sa este legat de activitatea de repertoriere a descoperirilor arheologice din
Bucovina, concretizat n publicarea studiului intitulat Charta arheologica a Bucovinei17
(Pl. II), i a reprezentrii cartografice a descoperirilor arheologice de pe teritoriul
provinciei18 (Pl. III), unicat pentru arheologia romn a acelor vremuri. Att n textul
studiului, ct i pe hart, regsim numeroase informaii referitoare la distribuia i
poziionarea obiectivelor arheologice din Bucovina, multe dintre acestea, conform
descrierilor, aparinnd civilizaiei cucuteniene (statuete antropomorfe, topoare de
piatr, ceramic).
Pe Dionisie Olinescu l-au interesat, n mod firesc pentru acele timpuri,
manifestrile spirituale ale vieii omului preistoric, aa cum le nelegea el, ilustrate
prin intermediul ceramicii pictate i a reprezentrilor antropomorfe. El a rmas,
printre altele, impresionat de vestigiile arheologice descoperite nc din timpul
activitii lui Josef von Gutter, n zona Zamca a localitii Siret (astzi n jud. Suceava).
Astfel, ntr-un articol din Voina Naional (Bucureti, 1886)19, el considera c staiunea
de la Siret Zamca este una din cele mai interesante staiuni preistorice ale Bucovinei
i a ntregii Dacii, fiindc st n strns legtur cu celelalte pn acum descoperite

15

16

17
18
19

Morariu 1888-1891, 245-247, 304-305; Morariu 1893, 242-243, 304-309; Sbiera 1904, vol. III, 53;
Loghin 1926, 262; Predescu 1999, 614; Ignat 1978, 513-520; Vatamaniuc 1996, 17-32; Satco,
2004, vol. II, p. 151-152; Niculic 2008, p. 5; Niculic 2009, p. 73-115; Niculic, 2013, p. 525526; Niculic, 2013a, 492-493.
citm selectiv: Olinescu 1876, 442; Olinescu 1876a, 550; Olinescu 1884; Olinescu 1885, 186187; Olinescu 1885a, 190-191; Olinescu 1885b, 460, 462; Olinescu 1885c, 625; Olinescu 1886, 23; Olinescu 1886a, 37; Olinescu 1889, 271; Olinescu 1894, 64-94; Olinescu 1894a, 3-10.
Olinescu 1894, 64-94.
Olinescu 1894b.
Olinescu 1886, 2-3.

Primele descoperiri de vestigii cucuteniene din Bucovina

17

staiuni ale Daciei, cu Piscul-Crsani, Vdastra, din Romnia i Turda din Ardeal i
mrturie netears pentru nrudirea popoarelor preistorice din Bucovina cu celelalte
ri ale Daciei Vechi. Autorul descrie cu lux de amnunte descoperirile de pe Zamca:
la trei metri adncime, fuseser observate zone cu pmnt ars, cu cenu i crbuni, n
care s-au descoperit dou topoare de piatr, cuite de cremene, coarne ascuite, dini
de la animale antediluviene, oase de psri, unelte de cusut ca ace de os, fierstraie
din flcile petilor, unelte de estur cu greutatea statuii de lut rou i uscat numai la
soare i secar calcinat20. El remarc descoperirea cu totul deosebit, reprezentnd,
dup toate indiciile, o depunere ritual, aparinnd civilizaiei Cucuteni: dou oale
mari de lut rou i una mic ce erau decorate cu felurite semne geometrice i umplute
cu cenu de la oameni mori. Mai multe ulcele din lut rou, de o nlime de 7 cm i
de o lime de 6 cm le nconjurau la o deprtate de 25-36 cm, care erau pn la una
toate stricate; n ele se afla o mas neagr cleioas. Vasele acestea erau fcute numai cu
mna, fr roat i uscate la soare. Hrburi din aceste ulcele s-au scos pn acum pn
la o sut. ntre acestea se aflase i un idola mic fcut din lut rou, fr roat, numai cu
mna. E de 4 cm lung21. Capul lui e diform semnnd mai mult unei buhe i prul se
ascuete ntr-un triunghi; e fr mini i fr picioare i pntecele e format ca la o
femeie nsrcinat, avnd pe el un semicerc ntors spre sus. Pe cap i n cealalt parte a
corpului se afl guri, desigur pentru introducerea de ace, sivare, spre a fi purtat ca
amulet. Fr a intra n prea multe detalii, mai amintim c Olinescu vedea analogii
potrivite pentru frumoasa statuet de la Siret n descoperirile de la Vdastra, PisculCrsani i Turda, dintre care unele prezentau aceleai orificii ca piesa de la Siret. El
cosider c toate aceste reprezentri aparin unei zeiti feminine, o Venus, ce era
venerat de ctre popoarele Daciei, invocnd, totodat, similariti cu alte
descoperiri, mult mai ndeprtate, ca cele efectuate de H. Schliemann la TroiaHissarlik i Micene. D. Olinescu remarca faptul c statueta prezenta un corp de femeie
nsrcinat, indicndu-se astfel marea fecunditate a vieii, semnele de pe pntecele ei,
ca semicercul i triunghiul fiind socotite embleme religioase ale fecunditii
femeieti: idolul de la Zamca din Siret ne reprezint deci o Venus, care, dup
exteriorul ei i simbolurile ei religioase, arat mult senzualitate nedesfrnat a
populaiei de atunci22.
Fr a fora lucrurile, ne ntrebm dac am putea invoca anumite analogii
pentru descoperirea, credem remarcabil, de la Siret. Astfel, notm c la Ghelieti
(jud. Neam), au fost descoperite ase vase pictate, dispuse n cerc, n jurul unui alt vas
20
21
22

Olinescu 1886, 3.
n realitate nlimea statuetei este mai mare: 9 cm (pl. XI/1b).
Interesant ni se pare maniera de judecare istoric, cu privire globalizatoare, la toat
Dacia (Olinescu 1886, 3).

18

Bogdan Petru NICULIC

cu capac, acoperit de un altul, de mari dimensiuni, n interiorul cruia se aflau patru


statuete aezate n cruce, complexul fiind atribuit fazei Cucuteni B 23. O situaie
asemntoare este cea remarcat n cazul descoperirii de la Buznea (jud. Iai), unde
ase vase nconjurau un castron central, care a fost aezat cu gura n jos, el protejnd
un numr de patru statuete dispuse n cruce24.

Pl. IV. Ceramic pictat aparinnd culturii Cucuteni, descoperit la ipeni / Painted ceramic
ascribed to Cucuteni culture, discovered at ipeni (Romstorfer 1893, fig. 29-31).

Ct despre mica statuet antropomorf la care se referea D. Olinescu, credem c


este vorba despre cea publicat n Mittheilungen der Central-Commission, X. Jahrgang,
N.F., 1884, fig. 7, 1899, pies care astzi se pstreaz n coleciile Muzeului Bucovinei,
secia Muzeul Siret (Pl. 11/1 a-b). O alt statuet descoperit la Siret, dar puin diferit
din punct de vedere morfologic, a fost publicat de Josef Szomabthy n monografia
referitoare la provincia Bucovina 25 (Pl. V/1, dreapta jos).
Rapoartele trimise de-a lungul anilor de conservatorii i corespondenii
Comisiei centrale din Bucovina nu au rmas fr urmri n cercurile tiinifice vieneze.
Feedbackul Viena provincie s-a concretizat prin statutarea unor relaii tiinifice i
interpersonale excelente. n deceniul nou al sec. al XIX-lea, imediat dup fondarea la
14 mai 1893 a Muzeului rii Bucovinei, care a constituit un cadru legal ce a
impulsionat pozitiv dezvoltarea arheologiei n provincie, se remarc activitatea unuia

23
24
25

Monah 1997, 41-42.


Mihai, Boghian 1985, 429-430; Boghian, Mihai 1987, 313-324; Monah 1997, 42.
Szombathy 1899, 49.

Primele descoperiri de vestigii cucuteniene din Bucovina

19

dintre marii arheologi ai Europei acelor timpuri: Josef Szombathy (1853-1943) (Pl. I/2).
Date biografice amnunite au fost deja publicate de Angelika Heinrich de la
Naturhistorisches Museum din Viena26, la fel i n ceea ce privete activitatea sa de
cercetare a vestigiilor arheologice ale Bucovinei 27, astfel c punctm doar cteva
momente importante. Josef Szombathy a studiat Polithenica la Viena, a avut
preocupri de botanic, paleontologie, mineralogie, petrografie (a participat la
cursurile marilor profesori Andreas Kornhuber i Ferdinand von Hochstetter,
devenind mai apoi asistentul acestuia din urm n 1874). Geologia i-a fost predat de
Eduard Suess, iar geografia fizic de Friedrich Simony. A participat i la celebrele
cercetri arheologice de la Hallstatt (Austria), coordonate de Ferdinand von
Hochstetter. La momentul sosirii sale n Bucovina, Szombathy acumulase deja o vast
experien de birou, teoretic, dar i una practic, ceea ce i adusese promovarea n
funcia de custode al coleciei de antropologie i preistorie a Muzeului de Istorie
Natural / Naturhistorisches Museum din Viena, precum i aceea de membru al
Societii de Antropologie din Viena (numit n 1879)28, societate care fusese fondat
puin mai devreme, n 187029.
ntr-un studiu din 2014 ne-am referit pe larg la prezena lui Josef Szombathy, n
cursul anilor 1893 i 1894, n Bucovina 30. Privitor la recunoaterile sale arheologice din
provincie menionm c exist doar patru mrturii documentare semnate personal 31.
Astfel, primele trei au fost publicate sub forma unor rapoarte de mici dimensiuni, n
anuarul Muzeului rii Bucovinei din Cernui / Jahrbuch des Bukowiner LandesMuseums, dup cum urmeaz: n 1894, nr. II Prhistorische Recognoscierungstour nach
der Bukowina im Jahre 1893, pag. 11-21; n 1895, nr. III Zweite Recognoscirungstour in die
Bukowina, pag. 20-24; n 1896, nr. IV Zweite Recognoscierungstour in die Bukowina, pag.
131-135, acesta din urm fiind de fapt o reluare a textului publicat n anul precedent.
Cea de a patra contribuie a lui Szombathy, reprezentnd o reuit sintez a
cercetrilor i a concepiilor sale istorice, privitoare la descoperirile strvechi din
Bucovina, dateaz din anul 1899, fiind publicat sub forma unui capitol dstinct, n
celebra lucrare monografic, de dimensiuni impresionante Die sterreichisch-ungarische
Monarchie in Wort und Bild. Bukowina (Viena, 1899). Acest capitol, intitulat de Josef
Szombathy sugestiv Vorgeschichte / Preistorie, rmne, pn astzi, un document unic
pentru descoperirile preistorice din zona noastr. Alturi de aceste izvoare
26
27
28
29
30
31

Heinrich 2003, 1-45.


Niculic 2013, 526-528; Niculic 2013a, 493-494; Niculic 2014, 495-508.
Heinrich 2003, 24.
Kaindl 1893, 72-74.
Niculic 2014, 495-508.
Niculic 2014, 499.

20

Bogdan Petru NICULIC

documentare, trebuie s aezm pe un loc distinct efortul marelui arheolog


preistorician romn, Ioan Andrieescu de la Universitatea din Bucureti, care a
ncercat s sintetizeze activitatea lui Josef Szombathy din Bucovina n dou articole,
aprute n 1936 i 194332; pe baza rapoartelor publicate n Jahrbuch des Bukowiner
Landes-Museums, el a refcut anumite secvene din traseele urmate de Szombathy,
punctnd i rezultatele investigaiilor arheologice. De asemenea, o meniune succint
asupra prezenei lui Szombathy n Bucovina se datoreaz i arheologului Mircea
Ignat, ntr-un studiu publicat n anul 196933.

Pl. V. 1. Descoperiri arheologice din Bucovina: tumul de la Horodnic de Jos, statuet


antropomorf cucutenian descoperit la Siret de Josef von Gutter (dreapta jos), topoareciocan de piatr, o greutate (?) i sceptrul cruciform eneolitic descoperit la Bdeui de
preotul Vasile Tomiuc; 2. a-b. sceptrul cruciform de la Bdeui (jud. Suceava). nlimea
piesei: 72 mm / 1. Archaeological finds in Bucovina: the barrow of Horodnic de Jos, Cucuteni
anthropomorphic figurine found at Siret by Josef von Gutter (lower right), stone hammer-axes, a
weight (?) and the Eneolithic cruciform scepter found at Bdeui by priest Vasile Tomiuc
(Szombathy 1899, 49); 2. a-b. cruciform scepter of Bdeui (Suceava co.) (a. Niculic 2009a, 180,
fig. 1/1; b. Dumitroaia 2000, fig. 84/3). Artefact height: 72 mm.

32
33

Andrieescu 1936, 161-173; Andrieescu 1943, 3-33.


Ignat 1969, 99.

Primele descoperiri de vestigii cucuteniene din Bucovina

21

Pl. VI. Descoperiri cucuteniene din Bucovina: amforete, vase bitronconice, capac de tip coif
suedez, vas-binoclu. Ceramica pictat provine din cunoscuta aezare de la ipeni.
Unele topoare de silex aparin probabil civilizaiei Amforelor Sferice / Cucuteni finds in
Bucovina: small amphorae, biconical vessels, Swedish helmet lid, binocular-shaped vessel. The
painted ceramic was found in the famous settlement of ipeni. Certain flint axes are probably
specific to the civilization of the Spherical Amphorae (Szombathy 1899, 51).

22

Bogdan Petru NICULIC

Firete, oricine i-ar pune ntrebarea de ce a fost trimis un cercettor ilustru, cu


poziii academice nalte la Viena, tocmai n ndeprtata Bucovina. Rspunsul este
simplu: modul de organizare al forurilor tiinifice vieneze rspundea intereselor
culturale ale Imperiului, n sensul acumulrii i publicrii metodice a informaiilor,
dar i a patrimoniului tiinific, sub forma rapoartelor trimise de conservatorii i
membrii corespondeni ai Comisiei Centrale sau ai Societii de Antropologie precum i
sub forma palpabil a materialelor arheologice prelevate n cursul cercetrilor
(spturilor) (i astzi, la Viena, se mai pstreaz descoperiri arheologice datnd din
acea epoc). Acest interes al Societii de Antropologie s-a manifestat mai intens dup
1889, cnd politica societii era aceea de a dezvolta o serie de studii etnografice i de
preistorie pentru provincia Bucovina 34. n urma edinei din 20 mai 1893, susinut la
sediul Societii de Antropologie din Viena, s-a decis trimiterea lui Szombathy n
Bucovina, n conformitate cu planul de lucru al societii, care dorea egalarea
cercetrii din provincie cu cea din Galiia, despre care se cunoteau mai multe date 35.

Pl. VII. 1. Itinerariul lui Josef Szombathy n Bucovina, toamna anului 1893; 2, vase de tip
binoclu descoperite n aezarea cucutenian de la ipeni (Ucraina) / 1. Josef
Szombathys itinerary in Bucovina, in autumn 1893 (Niculic 2014, 507, fig. 5); 2.
binocular-shaped vessels found in the Cucutenian settlement of ipeni (Ukraine) (Much
1902, 120, fig. 1-4; Niculic 2011, 303, fig. 4).

34
35

Kaindl 1893, 72-73; Niculic 2013a, 492; Niculic 2014, 500.


Szombathy 1894, 12.

Primele descoperiri de vestigii cucuteniene din Bucovina

23

Pl. VIII. Descoperiri aparinnd civilizaiei Cucuteni din aezarea de la ipeni (Ucraina):
plastic antropomorf, zoomorf, vase-binoclu, ceramic pictat i nepictat, msualtar cu patru picioare, ceramic de tip Cucuteni C, greuti, fusaiole, vrf de sgeat
de silex, diverse piese os / Finds belonging to the Cucuteni civilization in the settlement of
ipeni (Ukraine): anthropomorphic, zoomorphic plastic art, binocular-shaped vessels, painted
and not painted ceramic, small four legged altar table, Cucuteni C ceramic, weights, spindle
whorls, flint arrowheads, various bone items (Kaindl 1903a).

24

Bogdan Petru NICULIC

n acelai timp, extrem de important este faptul c la sediul Societii de


Antropologie exista un manuscris realizat de arheologul amator din Cernui, Dionisie
Olinescu, preedintele Societii Arheologice Romne (1886-1893): o hart cu indicarea
locurilor cu descoperirile arheologice cunoscute la acea vreme n Bucovina. Despre
aceast hart ne vorbete chiar Szombathy, care a avut prilejul s o consulte la sediul
societii, nainte de a fi trimis n Bucovina: printre lucrrile nepublicate, n prima
linie trebuie menionat o hart, schiat cu mult silin, de domnul Olinsky-Olinescul i
prevzut cu artarea locurilor preistorice i romane din Bucovina. Societatea de Antropologie
posed o copie. Aceast hart, aproape virgin n prile de apus i muntoase ale rii, mi-a
artat imediat drumul ctre vile largi ale rurilor, bogat presrate cu situri arheologice i
ctre zona precarpatic36. Aceast hart arheologic a Bucovinei, ntocmit de
Dionisie Olinescu, a fost publicat ulterior, n numrul pe 1894 al Buletinului Societii
Geografice Romne (Bucureti)37. Harta lui Olinescu a reprezentat un unicum pentru
arheologia acelor timpuri; ea a fost realizat cu mult atenie, cu nfiarea multor
detalii, imaginea general fiind ntocmai cu cea creionat de Josef Szombathy: o zon
montan srac n descoperiri arheologice, dar care sporesc numeric pe msur ce ne
ndeprtm de rama montan a Carpailor i se intr n regiunea de podi.
Reinem c, pe parcursul cercetrilor din 1893 i 1894, Josef Szombathy a fost
sprijinit de Karl A. Romstorfer, Raimund F. Kaindl, de autoriti i de proprietarii
siturilor arheologice. Prima campanie, cea din toamna anului 1893, a fost i cea mai
consistent sub aspectul datelor prelevate, pe baza acestora Szombathy reuind s
ntocmeasc primul raport de cercetare amnunit publicat n Bucovina. Avnd la
baz harta arheologic a lui Dionisie Olinescu, dar i susinerea din partea lui Karl A.
Romstorfer i Johann Polek la sosirea n Cernui, nc din prima zi (15 august 1893),
Szombathy a nceput periplul su, aa cum se procedeaz i astzi, cu o preliminar i
temeinic documentare arheologic de cabinet 38. Au urmat, firete, contactele cu
autoritile, respectiv cu baronul Nicolae Musta (patronul comisiei Muzeului rii
Bucovinei din Cernui) i conducerea acestei instituii39. Szombathy scrie c, nc din
17 august, a luat parte, alturi de baronul Musta i K. A. Romstorfer, la spturile de
la ipeni, pe care le-a inspectat, ulterior, n dou rnduri (19 august i 6 septembrie),
bucurndu-se de ospitalitatea soiei baronului Leon Wassilko (Vasilco), a baronului
Nicolae Musta i a lui Vasile cavaler de Costin40.

36
37
38
39
40

Szombathy 1894, 12; Andrieescu 1936, 126; Niculic 2014, 500.


Olinescu 1894, 3-10; Niculic 2009 reeditarea hrii.
Szombathy 1894, 12.
Szombathy 1894, 12.
Szombathy 1894, 13; Andrieescu 1936, 164-165.

Primele descoperiri de vestigii cucuteniene din Bucovina

25

ntre 19 august i 2 septembrie 1893, Josef Szombathy a fost nsoit i sprijinit de


profesorul de Istoria Austriei de la Universitatea din Cernui, Raimund F. Kaindl, bun
cunosctor al vestigiilor arheologice preistorice ale Bucovinei 41. Aezarea preistoric
de la ipeni, situat la 15 km vest-nord-vest de Cernui, pe malul stng al Prutului, ia atras n mod deosebit atenia. nvtorul Vasile Arici, proprietar al unei poriuni a
sitului arheologic, impresionat de mai vechile legende, care vorbeau despre comori
ascunse n pmnt, ncepuse deja spturile, descoperind vase de lut. O parte din
aceste descoperiri a fost predat baronului Musta, fiind pstrat n Muzeul rii
Bucovinei din Cernui. Maniera n care vasele de la ipeni erau pictate, n mod
deosebit decorul spiralat cunoscut, dup cum arta Szombathy, dintr-o serie de
descoperiri din Polonia este descris de arheologul vienez, care citeaz un vas de
mari dimensiuni, cu nlimea de 64 cm i diametrul de 67 cm, cu gtul scurt i ndoit
n sus42. Cercetnd cu atenie, Szombathy a remarcat un strat de cultur, ce aprea n
timpul spturilor arheologice, strat n care se descopereau crbuni, cenu, tencuieli
de perei, oase de animale domestice, diverse fragmente ceramice pictate, greuti de
lut pentru rzboaiele de esut, vase de tip binoclu i alte vestigii. Concluzia lui
Szombathy era c la ipeni a existat n vechime o aezare distrus din cauza focului,
iar locuinele erau de tipul colibelor, cu pereii construii din mpletituri de nuiele
mbrcate cu lut. Locuirea preistoric de la ipeni era asemnat de Szombathy cu
unele deja cunoscute i cercetate n Galiia43. Traseul urmat de Josef Szombathy n
Bucovina, n toamna anului 1893 a fost reconstituit pe baza schielor sale publicate n
Jahrbuch des Bukowiner Landes-Museums (Pl. VII/1)44.
Fr rezultate notabile ca n anul precedent, campania de cercetri a lui Josef
Szombathy din toamna anului 1894 a atins totui cteva puncte importante 45. Astfel,
Szombathy a urmrit, cu precdere, investigarea spaiului din nordul Bucovinei,
dintre marile artere hidrografice Prut i Nistru46. A fost acordat o atenie aparte
sitului preistoric de la ipeni (aparinnd culturii Cucuteni), acelai nvtor, Vasile
Arici, sprijinindu-l i semnalndu-i noile vestigii aprute ntre cele dou vizite,
totodat fiind investigate noi poriuni din aezarea neolitic 47. Dup cercetrile de la
ipeni, pentru a-i ntregi imaginea de ansamblu, J. Szombathy a efectuat un periplu

41
42
43
44
45
46
47

Szombathy 1894, 13; Andrieescu 1936, 164.


Szombathy 1894, 13.
Szombathy 1894, 13-14; Andrieescu 1936, 164-165; Niculic 2014, 501-502.
Niculic 2014, 507, fig. 5.
Niculic 2014, 503-507.
Szombathy 1895, 20; Andrieescu 1936, 166.
Szombathy 1895, 20.

26

Bogdan Petru NICULIC

consistent prin mai multe localiti din Bucovina: tefanovka 48 (tefanovca, distr.
Coman la acea vreme n.n.), unde a studiat colecia de piese preistorice a lui Ioan
cavaler de Zotta; n cltoriile sale, efectuate cu trsura, a fost nsoit de Karl A.
Romstorfer la: Sadagora (Sadagura), Waslowce (Vslui, distr. Cernui pe atunci),
Kukzurmik (Cuciur Mic), Zastawna (Zastavna), Kadobestie (Cadobeti, distr.
Coman), Kriszczatec (Criciatec, distr. Coman) i Zwiniacze (Zviniace, distr.
Coman)49, din aceast ultim localitate i din colecia lui Ioan Zotta fiindu-i
prezentate numeroase piese neolitice50. La Kotzman (Coman) i-a fost prezentat un
vas de lut pictat provenind de la ipeni, asemntor cu altul gsit la Doroui pe
Nistru51. n ncheierea raportului dedicat cercetrilor din 1894, Szombathy noteaz c
vestigiile arheologice descoperite prezint un interes deseobit, provincia Bucovina
avnd o valoare etnografic deosebit, el spernd ca n viitorul apropiat s poat
detalia informaiile obinute52. Aceste detalieri nu au ntrziat s apar: contactul lui
Josef Szombathy cu antichitile Bucovinei a fost unul pozitiv, concretizat prin
apariia capitolului Vorgeschichte / Preistorie, din impresionanta monografie Die
sterreichisch-ungarische Monarchie in Wort und Bild. Bukowina (Viena, 1899)53. nsoit de
o frumoas ilustraie, realizat de artistul vienez Theodor von Ehrmanns (Pl. V/1; VI),
autorul a sintetizat aspectele privitoare la descoperirile preistorice cunoscute n acel
moment n Bucovina. Vizibil emoionat de succesul, ineditul i importana european
a spturilor de la ipeni, Szombathy le dedic acestora un spaiu amplu n economia
capitolului. Tocmai de aceea, cteva dintre vasele aparinnd culturii Cucuteni de la
ipeni (subliniem nc o dat c la momentul respectiv nu se cunotea acest termen),
au fost ilustrate n textul su (Pl. VI). Din text reiese ct de mult a dorit Szombathy s
neleag cele mai vechi urme de locuire uman din Bucovina, din aa-zisa perioad
primitiv, creia i aparineau unelte de piatr i oale de ceramic, alturi de
felurite unelte de os. El ia n consideraie importana aezrilor neolitice
descoperite n Bucovina, dintre care, pe primul loc, n opinia sa, l ocup locuinele
cercetate la ipeni pe malul Prutului. Szombathy remarc tehnica de construcie a
acestor locuine din timpurile strvechi, vorbind despre colibe mici neolitice, cu
pereii realizai din nuiele mpletite i mbrcate cu lut, cu acoperiul din paie sau
stuf, oferind i o surprinztoare analogie, aflat la ndemn: aa cum exist i astzi
la ar. De asemenea, el atrage atenia asupra unor descoperiri de excepie ca de
48
49
50
51
52
53

Pentru denumirile localitilor existente n acea vreme vezi i: Werenka 1895; Grigorovitza 1908.
Szombathy 1895, 21; Niculic 2014, 504.
Szombathy 1895, 21; Andrieescu 1936, 166; Niculic 2014, 504.
Szombathy 1895, 21-22; Andrieescu 1936, 166; Niculic 2014, 504.
Szombathy 1895, 24.
Szombathy 1899, 49-56.

Primele descoperiri de vestigii cucuteniene din Bucovina

27

exemplu: oalele uneori mai mari de jumtate de metru, castroane ntinse sau
adnci, precum i minunate stative duble (de fapt cunoscutele vase-binoclu).
Despre toate aceste el remarc: au fost lucrate manual, din lut foarte fin i c au fost
pictate cu maro nchis sau rou nchis, amintind spiralele i formele geometrice.
Ilustraia capitolului Vorgeschichte include i o frumoas statuet antropomorf (Pl.
V/1, dreapta jos)54.
Un alt personaj-cheie n dezvoltarea vieii culturale i tiinifice a Bucovinei, cu
implicaii majore n cercetrile arheologice din Bucovina a fost reputatul arhitect
austriac Karl A. Romstorfer (1854-1916) (Pl. I/3), istoric i arheolog deopotriv55.
Romstorfer a fost conservator pentru Bucovina al Comisiei centrale din Viena (seciunea
a II-a) ncepnd cu anul 1888 i membru corespondent strin al Academiei Romne (29
mai 1914). S-a remarcat i printr-o activitate publicistic meritorie, care a cuprins att
descoperirile eneolitice, ct i cele aparinnd epocii bronzului i fierului sau cele
medievale56.
Karl A. Romstorfer a participat la numeroase cercetri arheologice (spturi),
dar i la excursii de documentare (vezi mai sus cazul Szombathy) 57, n general
contribuia sa la dezvoltarea i diseminarea cunotinelor despre arheologie i despre
rezultatele cercetrilor din Bucovina, aparinnd pre- i protoistoriei Bucovinei fiind
puin cunoscute cercettorilor romni58. Alturi de multe alte iniiative, cum sunt
preocuprile privitoare la restaurarea monumentelor istorice medievale ale provinciei,
menionm contribuia sa decisiv la fondarea Muzeului rii Bucovinei din Cernui
(1893) i a Muzeului Orenesc Suceava (1900)59. Activitatea sa meritorie i-a adus i
poziia de secretar al Muzeului rii Bucovinei, n aceast calitate Karl A. Romstorfer
propunnd editarea periodicului Jahrbuch des Bukowiner Landes-Museums. n aceast
publicaie el a semnat rubrica Aus den Mittheilungen der k.k. Central-Commission fr
Erforschung und Erhaltung der Kunst und historischen Denkmale, n care a rezumat
54
55

56

57
58
59

Szombathy 1899, 49.


Szombathy 1894, 11-21; Wer ists? Unsere Zeitgenossen. Zeitgenossenlexikon. Herausgegeben von
Herrmann A. L. Degener, III. Ausgabe, Leipzig, 1908; Predescu 1999, 737; Rusu 1999, 459; Satco
2004, II, 316-317; erban 1996, 511-519; Niculic 2006, 5; Demciuc 2006, 5; Niculic 2009, 49-50 i
nota 125; Niculic 2010, 321-340; Niculic 2013, 528-529; Niculic 2013a, 494-495.
Romstorfer 1889, 32-33; Romstorfer 1891, 80-83; Romstorfer 1893, 243-244 i 256-fig. 29-31;
Romstorfer 1893a, 45-71; Romstorfer 1894, 115-119; Romstorfer 1894a, 49-50; Romstorfer
1895, 141-143; Romstorfer 1896, 136-139; Romstorfer 1897, 83-87; Romstorfer 1898, 111-115;
Romstorfer 1899, 104-114; Romstorfer 1903, 399-400; Romstorfer 1904, 85-89; Romstorfer
1904a, 40-43.
Niculic 2014, 501, 503, 505.
Niculic 2013, 528-529; Niculic 2013a, 494-495.
Emandi 1985, 30; Niculic 2011, 295, 299 i nota 20; Niculic 2013, 528.

28

Bogdan Petru NICULIC

rapoartele Comisiei Centrale din Viena, aprute n Mittheilungen i Jahrbuch der CentralCommission, menionnd, printre altele, descoperirile aparinnd culturii Cucuteni, de
la ipeni, Siret sau din alte localiti. A fost unul dintre colaboratorii apropiai ai lui
Josef Szombathy n timpul cercetrilor sale din Bucovina din anii 1893 i 1894,
participnd i la spturile din staiunile de la ipeni, Hliboca i Hlinia 60. Despre
descoperirile de la ipeni, Karl A. Romstorfer a publicat un succint raport n
Mittheilungen der Central-Commission61, intitulat sugestiv Gefsse aus Schipenitz / Vasele
de la ipeni. Aflm de aici c nvtorul din sat (Vasile Arici n.n.) a descoperit multe
vase interesante de lut, n momentul cnd a nceput lucrrile la grajdul din
gospodrie; el a spat o groap mai adnc pentru un stlp de lemn i a gsit un strat
de argil (lut) ars a crui margine nu a gsit-o, nici dup ce a mrit groapa la 2 m n
diametru. Sub acest strat au fost descoperite ulterior fragmente ceramice provenind de
la vase ntregibile. Profesorul Kolbenheyer i baronul Nicolae Musta (membru n
curatoriul Muzeului rii Bucovinei n.n.)62 au luat cteva oale i strchini. Este
descris interesantul decor pictat desenat cursiv cu pensula, cu grosimi diferite: linii
circulare care se ntretaie i se ncolcesc, la oale fiind pictat doar jumtatea
superioar (Pl. IV/1-2); de asemenea, aici s-a descoperit i un cuit de silex cu lungimea
de 9 cm, limea de 2 cm i grosimea de 0,5 cm63.
Raimund Friedrich Kaindl (1866-1930) (Pl. I/4), unul dintre marii profesori ai
Universitii din Cernui este bine cunoscut pentru studiile sale de etnografie i
istorie privitoare la Bucovina. A fost membru n curatoriul Muzeului rii Bucovinei
din Cernui, decan (1910, rector al Universitii din Cernui (1912-1913), membru
corespondent (1898) i conservator (1909) al Comisiei Centrale din Viena64. De
asemenea, Raimund Kaindl s-a remarcat prin pasiunea pentru arheologie, n special
pentru descoperirile preistorice de la ipeni. Kaindl este autorul uneia dintre
importantele lucrri de sintez referitoare la istoria Bucovinei: Geschichte der Bukowina
(Cernui, 1896), n care prezint, printre multe altele, descoperirile preistorice
cunoscute la acel moment n provincie. A avut o via deosebit de activ n peisajul
cultural, n general i cel arheologic, n special, participnd la spturile de la ipeni
alturi de Josef Szombathy i nvtorul Vasile Arici (1893), relund ulterior
60
61
62
63
64

Niculic 2014, 528-529.


Romstorfer 1893, 243, 256-Abb. 29-31.
cf. Romstorfer 1894a, 49.
Romstorfer 1893, 243.
Wer ists? Unsere Zeitgenossen. Zeitgenossenlexikon. Herausgegeben von Herrmann A. L.
Degener, III. Ausgabe, Leipzig 1908, 650; Nistor 1930, 551-552; Klein 1990/1991, 37-42; Mais,
1990/1991, 42-46; Pavljuk 2000, 121-124; Satco 2004, I, 2004, 569; Niculic 2009, 35-37 i nota
85; Niculic 2013, 530; Niculic 2013a, 495-496.

Primele descoperiri de vestigii cucuteniene din Bucovina

29

cercetrile, n anii 1902-1903, mpreun cu Emanuel cavaler de Costin, proprietar al


unei poriuni a sitului arheologic. A publicat informaii valoroase despre obiecte
preistorice descoperite n Bucovina n periodicele Mittheilungen i Jahrbuch der CentralCommission, fiind, totodat, autor al unui studiu detaliat despre ceramica pictat
cucutenian de la Koszylowce (astzi Koshylivtsi, raion Zalischytskyi, regiunea
Ternopil, Ucraina), activitatea sa publicistic fiind una impresionant65.
n Geschichte der Bukowina (Cernui, 1896), bazndu-se deja pe o serie de date
cunoscute n urma cercetrilor arheologice din Bucovina, Kaindl red cteva piese
cucuteniene (fig. I-III ceramic pictat de la ipeni i o statuet antropomorf de
la Siret). Din nou, descoperirile de la ipeni (trebuie s ne nchipuim ct de mult i -a
fascinat pe contemporani ceramica pictat de aici!), au atras atenia. Spturile,
despre care se scrie c au nceput n anul 1893, dateaz din perioada de tranziie de
la epoca tnr a pietrei spre epoca bronzului 66. Aici s-au descoperit colibe
mpletite din nuiele, unse cu argil, aa cum se ntlnesc i astzi n zonele srace
n lemn din nordul Bucovinei 67. Despre ceramic, autorul apreciaz c vasele de
lut, prevzute cu ornamente demne de remarcat, unele de aproape 3/4 m n nlime
i la fel de late, au avut diverse scopuri n gospodrie. Interesant este c s-a
constatat prezena animalelor domestice, dovad a unei intense locuiri umane
preistorice la ipeni: sunt amintite resturile osteologice provenind de la vite, oi i
porci. Este remarcat, de asemenea, prezena greutilor de lut pentru rzboiul de
esut, alturi de resturile unui cuptor 68.
Date mai amnunite ne ofer Kaindl despre aezarea cucutenian de la ipeni
n studiul Prhistorisches aus der Bukowina. Forschungen auf dem Grberfelde von
Unterhorodnk-Prdit und in der prhistorischen Ansiedlung von Szipenitz, publicat n
Jahrbuch der Zentral-Kommission (Viena, 1903)69. Rezumnd cele prezentate de Kaindl,
menionm c el noteaz faptul c nvtorul Vasile Arici este descoperitorul aezrii
i c Josef Szombathy a prezentat primul raport privind cercetrile ncepute n 1893, n
anuarul Muzeului rii Bucovinei din Cernui 70. Ulterior, Vasile Arici a continuat
spturile n diferite locuri de pe proprietatea sa, ajutat fiind de profesorul
Procopovici din Kotzman (Coman), cei doi artndu-i lui Kaindl att materialele

65

66
67
68
69
70

Citm selectiv: Kaindl 1893; Kaindl 1894; Kaindl 1894a, 115-116; Kaindl 1896; Kaindl 1898,
236-237; Kaindl 1901, 47-48; Kaindl 1903, 82-84; Kaindl 1903a, 97-114; Kaindl 1904, 17-44;
Kaindl 1908, 144-150; Kaindl 1910.
Kaindl, 1896, 12.
Kaindl, 1896, 12.
Kaindl, 1896, 12.
Kaindl, 1903, 102-114.
Kaindl, 1903a, 102.

30

Bogdan Petru NICULIC

descoperite, ct i unele desene i fotografii. Kaindl aprecia, dup ncheierea


spturilor din 1893, c locuirea preistoric de la ipeni, era caracterizat de prezena
unor colibe de nuiele mpletite, unse cu lut, apreciind c au fost distruse de un
incendiu; se pare c existau locuine adncite (gropi), dispuse, conform spuselor
nvtorului Vasile Arici, pe un rnd 71. Deoarece materialele descoperite au ajuns
preponderent la Viena, la Muzeul Curii Imperiale i doar cteva la Muzeul rii
Bucovinei din Cernui, Raimund F. Kaindl a decis reluarea cercetrilor, cu sprijinul
unui alt proprietar al sitului de la ipeni, Emanuel cavaler de Costin 72. Ceramica a
fost descris, n mod special, datorit cantitii mari descoperite i datorit decorului.
Se apreciaz c vasele au fost lucrate ngrijit, c multe dintre ele au fost decorate cu
pictur roie, maro i negru, de regul fiind preferate spiralele i elipsele, alturi de
unele forme geometrice (Pl. VIII/1/fig. 108-109; VIII/2/fig. 96, 98, 100, 102-103). Atrage
atenia un vas de mari dimensiuni cu nlimea de 46 cm i diametrul de 54 cm, cu
fundul ngustat, cu pictur la partea superioar (Pl. VIII/2/fig. 95)73. Sunt amintite i
vasele de mai mici dimensiuni, precum paharele, castroanele, la care se adaug mici
idoli feminini, fusaiolele, capacele i vasele de tip binoclu (Pl. VIII/1-2), multe dintre
aceste tipuri fiind ntlnite i n domeniul ceramicii pictate din Galiia, inclusiv de la
Bilcze Zote (astzi n Ucraina, raion Ternopil), aa cum arat Kaindl74. O statuet
antropomorf feminin descoperit la Siret, publicat anterior (piesa lui Josef von
Guter n.n), este asemnat cu descoperirile de la ipeni 75. i piesele de piatr sunt
descrise de Kaindl: de la obiecte rotunjite sau cu urmele unor desprinderi (probabil
galei, frectoare, percutoare, nuclee), vrfuri de sgeat triunghiulare (Pl. VIII/1/fig.
122), de mici dimensiuni, achii de silex, fragmente de cuite i rzuitoare de silex,
topoare i dltie de piatr; cteva piese de corn, una prezentnd o perforaie (Pl.
VIII/1/fig. 124), atrag i ele interesul tiinific al lui Kaindl76.
Mult mai amplu este studiul publicat de Raimund F. Kaindl n 1904 77, n care
apar noile cercetri de la ipeni, desfurate n anul 1903 cu ajutorul lui Emanuel
cavaler de Costin. Au fost efectuate sondaje n mai multe puncte de pe suprafaa
sitului, descoperirile, asemntoare celor din 1902 fiind trimise la Muzeul Curii
Imperiale din Viena, la Muzeul rii Bucovinei din Cernui, unele ajungnd i n

71
72
73
74
75
76
77

Kaindl, 1903a, 102-103.


Kaindl, 1903a, 103-104.
Kaindl 1903a, 108 i fig. 95.
Kaindl 1903a, 109-110 i fig. 97-98, 101-103, 106, 108, 110, 120-121.
Kaindl 1903a, 110.
Kaindl 1903a, 111-114, fig. 122.
Kaindl 1904, 17-44.

Primele descoperiri de vestigii cucuteniene din Bucovina

31

posesia unor particulari, inclusiv a lui Emanuel cavaler de Costin78. Au fost


descoperite, n zona numit de localnici Balecinca, vase cu o pictur bogat, acoperite
cu rou i negru, vasele fiind uneori n ntregime pictate; autorul observ c spaiile
dintre liniile principale sunt umplute de linii drepte, paralele. ndeosebi linia dreapt
i ornamentul geometric au mai mare valoare n cazul acestei picturi 79. De o
frumusee aparte sunt vasele pictate pe ntreg corpul 80 (Pl. IX/7). n studiu sunt
ilustrate diferite alte obiecte, precum greuti de argil 81 (Pl. IX/6, 15) sau reprezentri
zoomorfe82 (Pl. IX/6, 16-17). Atrage atenia o statuet antropomorf de mari
dimensiuni (20 cm), cu incizii orizontale pe abdomen, cu reprezentarea triunghiului
pubian, avnd incizii n zona gtului, care trebuie s desemneze un colier, precum
i un numr de ase orificii, dou n zona capului, dou pe umeri i dou pe lateralele
abdomenului)83 (Pl. X/1). Cantitatea ceramicii i diversitatea formelor l-au determinat
pe Kaindl s includ o ilustraie bogat n studiul su 84 (Pl. X/2). Kaindl afirm un
lucru interesant: contextul descoperirii (groap, locuin sau mormnt) era dificil de
reconstituit, ntruct nu s-au fcut observaii precise85. El mai arat c aezarea consta
din colibe cu pereii lucrai din nuiele lipite cu lut, afirmnd c s-a utilizat i papur
pentru acoperi; remarcnd existena unei bli n apropiere Kaindl face astfel o mic
reconstituire a mediului natural preistoric86.
Cteva observaii interesante notate de Raimund F. Kaindl cu prilejul
spturilor din septembrie 1903, trebuie evocate aici. La 30 cm adncime s-au
descoperit mai multe grupaje de vase, dintre care unul coninea cenu, toate obiectele
fiind dispersate pe o suprafa de doar civa metri ptrai 87. ntr-un alt loc, spre
nordul aezrii, la 40 cm adncime, a fost gsit un vas cu nlimea de 10,5 cm, care
coninea pmnt i oase; Kaindl identific i un strat de argil, cu grosimea de 12-15
cm, ars la partea superioar (cea inferioar era natural, nears), cu lungimea pe axa
E-V de 1,5 m, iar pe axa N-S de 1 m. Deasupra acestui strat de lut erau cteva resturi
de crbuni, n timp ce pe o suprafa de cca. 1m 2 erau mprtiate resturile unui vas de
mari dimensiuni, care purta urme clare de ardere, care nu proveneau de la arderea
ntr-un cuptor, Kaindl presupunnd arderea pe loc a recipientului, ntruct n zona
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87

Kaindl 1904, 17-18.


Kaindl 1904, 18-19
Kaindl 1904, 20, fig. 9-13.
Kaindl 1904, fig. 15.
Kaindl 1904, fig. 16-17.
Kaindl 1904, 24-25, fig. 23.
Kaindl 1904, fig. 25.
Kaindl 1904, 25.
Kaindl 1904, 26.
Kaindl 1904, 26-27.

32

Bogdan Petru NICULIC

vasului se observa jar. Avnd n vedere observaiile generale, autorul are n vedere
existena unei locuine care a suferit un incendiu puternic 88. Interesant este observaia
lui Kaindl: n apropierea acestui loc care pstreaz urmele unui incendiu violent a
avut loc o srbtoare, cteva oale de mici dimensiuni, cu oase i cenu, gsite n
apropierea podelei de lut ars, ngropate n cas, conducnd spre ipoteza unei
ceremonii funerare. El mai arat c lng oala de mici dimensiuni, care coninea oase
arse, la 20-30 cm sub stratul de lut ars, au fost gsite: un vas-binoclu ntreg, patru
jumti de vas-binoclu, care nu se potrivesc unele cu altele, o jumtate de vasbinoclu, o oal de mici dimensiuni i un capac; sub toate aceste rmie a fost
descoperit o bucat de os puterd. Kaindl ajunge la urmtoarea concluzie: sub
podeaua de lut era o groap, n care au fost adunate toate obiectele sus menionate,
considernd c dei fragmentare, obiectele nu au fost aruncate, ci aezate cu grij n
groap. Aceste obiecte erau utilizate n cadrul unor obiceiuri, iar Kaindl, n virtutea
cunotinelor sale etnografice, menioneaz un obicei foarte interesant, cunoscut la
populaia huul din Bucovina: spargerea intenionat a unei oale, pentru a alunga
rul, n acest scop nefiind aleas oala cea mai bun 89. Concluzionnd, R. F. Kaindl
susine c este vorba despre un loc de nmormntare, ncercnd i o reconstituire a
scenariului funerar: defunctul era incinerat, cenua i resturile oaselor erau adunate
ntr-o oal, care era aezat lng celelalte anexe, ndeosbi lng numeroasele vasebinoclu, ntr-o groap puin adnc. Apoi, aceasta era acoperit cu buci de lut ars, se
mai aplica un strat consistent de lut i se aprindea focul, pentru a ine departe
animalele. Se pregtea mncare pentru ospul mortului. Acest lucru este dovedit de
mulimea vaselor, mari i mici (precum pahare pentru butur), care au fost
descoperite n partea sudic a aezrii (de la ipeni n.n.). Cutnd cteva analogii
pentru acest gen de descoperire, cu defunctul incinerat i acoperit cu lut galben,
Kaindl amintete cercetrile lui K. Hadaczek (cercetrile de la Zelechow i Niesuchow
din Galiia)90.
n ncheierea acestor rnduri consacrate profesorului Raimund F. Kaindl i
contribuiei sale la cunoaterea culturii Cucuteni din Bucovina, nu putem dect s
afirmm c avem n faa noastr unul dintre arheologii cu o puternic intuiie a
realitii din teren. Observaiile sale minuioase, ncercrile de reconstituire i
nelegere a construciilor, a utilizrii practice a inventarului arheologic, a destinaiei
rituale a unor complexe arheologice ni-l nfieaz pe profesorul Kaindl ca un
veritabil cercettor al preistoriei europene.

88
89
90

Kaindl 1904, 27-28.


Kaindl 1904, 29-30.
Kaindl 1904, 31.

Primele descoperiri de vestigii cucuteniene din Bucovina

33

Pl. IX. 1-7. Ceramic descoperit n aezarea cucutenian de la ipeni (astzi n reg. Cernui,
Ucraina) / 1-2. Ceramic found in the Cucutenian site of ipeni (nowadays in the region of
Chernivtsi, Ukraine) (Kaindl 1904).

Personalitate proeminent a nvmntului din Bucovina, profesorul Heinrich


Klauser (1838-1911) (Pl. I/5) face i el parte din categoria celor care au studiat, chiar dac
la un nivel amatoristic, antichitile descoperite n provincie. A activat ca profesor i

34

Bogdan Petru NICULIC

director al Gimnaziului Superior din Rdui (1883-1895), a fost Inspector colar i


funcionar ministerial (din 1898), profesor la Cernui, la coala Real i la Gimnaziul de
Stat91. A avut calitatea de conservator al Comisiei Centrale, pentru seciunea I-a, n
perioada 1887-190992, fiind, totodat, membru al curatoriului Muzeului rii Bucovinei
din Cernui93. H. Klauser a participat la cercetrile de teren i la primele spturi din
zona necropolelor tumulare de la Horodnic de Jos i Volov (lng Rdui, jud.
Suceava), alturi de Josef Szombathy i Karl A. Romstorfer. n acelai timp, profesorul
H. Klauser, impresionat de frumuseea ceramicii pictate de la ipeni, a redactat un
studiu despre o serie de obiecte descoperite n aezarea cucutenian (Pl. VII/2). n baza
manuscriselor sale, n periodicul Mittheilungen der Central-Kommission au fost publicate
cteva notie despre descoperirile preistorice din Bucovina (inclusiv ipeni)94.

Pl. X. 1. Statuet antropomorf; 2. ceramic descoperit n aezarea cucutenian de la ipeni


(astzi n reg. Cernui, Ucraina) / 1. Anthropomorphic figurine; 2. ceramic found in the
Cucutenian site of ipeni (nowadays in the region of Chernivtsi, Ukraine) (Kaindl 1904).

Preotul i publicistul Vasile Tomiuc (1844-1914) (Pl. I/6), membru marcant al


clerului din Bucovina, a fost, la rndul su, unul dintre pasionaii arheologi amatori ai
91

92
93
94

Wurzer 1911, 63-67; Satco, 2004, II, 579; Ungureanu 2006, 25; Ungureanu 2007, 77, 83, 88;
Niculic 2009, 38 i nota 96; Niculic 2011, 293-303; Niculic 2013, 531; Niculic 2013a, 496;
Fodor 2014, 418-420.
cf. ***, Mittheilungen, 1908, III. Folge, VII. Band, p. XV; Wurzer, 1911, 67.
Niculic 2011, 296 i nota 21.
***, Notizen. 57, in Mittheilungen, XVI. Jahrgang, N.F., 1890, 133; ***, Notizen. 40, in
Mittheilungen, XXVI. Jahrgang, N.F., 1900, 105; Much 1902, 120-121 i fig. 1-4)

35

Primele descoperiri de vestigii cucuteniene din Bucovina

provinciei. A absolvit Facultatea de Teologie din Cernui, ulterior devenind preot paroh
la Bdeui, Miliui i Rdui. Alturi de scrierile sale referitoare la istoria mnstirilor
Bucovinei, menionm c a luat parte, alturi de profesorul Heinrich Klauser, la unele
cercetri de teren din depresiunea Rdui, precum i la primele spturi din necropola
tumular de la Volov (jud. Suceava)95. Meritele sale au fost evideniate prin
nominalizarea, n anul 1898, ca membru corespondent al Comisiei Centrale96. Dei
activitatea sa n domeniul preistoriei este minimal, artm totui c a descoperit vestigii
preistorice n albia prului Sucevia, afluent de dreapta al Sucevei97. ntmplarea a fcut
ca numele preotului Vasile Tomiuc s fie legat de una dintre cele mai frumoase piese
specifice lumii eneolitice: sceptrul cruciform de la Bdeui, sincron cu sfritul fazei
Cucuteni A faza Cucuteni A-B, pstrat astzi n coleciile Muzeului Bucovinei din Suceava
(Pl. V/1, 2 a-b). Piesa a fost reprezentat grafic n cunoscutul studiu intitulat Vorgeschichte,
semnat de Josef Szombathy, din cadrul cunoscutei monografii Die sterreichisch-ungarische
Monarchie in Wort und Bild. Bukowina (1899), grafica fiind semnat de Theodor von
Ehrmanns (Pl. V/1)98.

Pl. XI. a-b. Reprezentare antropomorf feminin descoperit de Josef von Gutter la Siret; b. Foto S.
Igntescu, 2008 / a-b. Anthropomorphic feminine representation discovered by Josef von Gutter at
Siret (*** Notizen. 135, in Mittheilungen, X. Jahrgang, N.F., 1884, fig. 7); b. Photo by Sorin
Igntescu, 2008.
95
96
97

98

Ignat 1978a, 108; Ignat 2006, 9.


Niculic 2013, 531-532; Niculic 2013a, 496-497.
***, Suczawitzerbach, Fund, in Mittheilungen, Dritte Folge, Band VI, Nr. 8, August 1907, p. 200
noti publicat pe baza raportului redactat de Vasile Tomiuc.
Szombathy 1899, 49-56; Rezu 1975, 24; Niculic 2009, 47; Niculic 2009, 52 i nota 137;
Niculic 2009a, 180-182 i fig. 1-2.

36

Bogdan Petru NICULIC

Pl. XII. 1. Placa de pe mormntul lui Josef von Gutter; 2. Monumentul funerar al cpitanului
Josef von Gutter, fost primar al Siretului, din cimitirul catolic de la Siret / 1. plate on Josef
von Gutters tomb; 2. funerary monument of captain Josef von Gutter, former mayor of the town
of Siret, in the catholic cemetery of Siret.

Primele descoperiri de vestigii cucuteniene din Bucovina

37

Trecnd n revist aspectele nfiate n rndurile de mai sus, apreciem


aportul pozitiv al cadrului instituional specific Imperiului Austriac; specialitii trimii
de Viena n Bucovina, care, de-a lungul anilor au ocupat poziii nalte i au putut s
direcioneze i s amplifice cercetrile arheologice, aa cum este cazul lui Raimund F.
Kaindl profesor universitar i Karl A. Romstorfer restaurator de monumente
istorice, n mod deosebit acesta din urm, au gndit i realizat dou instituii
fundamentale de cultur: Muzeul rii Bucovinei (1893) i Muzeul Orenesc Suceava
(1900). Faptul c la iniiativa lui Karl A. Romstorfer s-a publicat Jahrbuch des Bukowiner
Landes-Museums / Anuarul Muzeului rii Bucovinei, n paginile cruia au semnat nume
importante ale preistoriei europene, precum Paul Reinecke99, arat seriozitatea cu care
s-a lucrat, precum i impactul puternic al descoperirilor arheologice din Bucovina n
rndul cercurilor tiinifice austriece, dovada fiind i atenia acordat de Comisia
Central i Societatea de Antropologie, aceasta din urm fiind la originea cercetrilor lui
Josef von Szombathy n Bucovina. Antichitile de la ipeni, n mod special, despre
care la vremea respectiv s-a apreciat c aparin unor civilizaii strlucite, de mult
apuse, au suscitat interesul lui Josef von Gutter, Josef Szombathy, Raimund F. Kaindl,
Karl A. Romstorfer, Heinrich Klauser, acetia apreciind deosebitul sim artistic al
reprezentrilor ceramice. n colaborare cu pasionaii arheologi amatori romni:
Dionisie Olinescu, Vasile Arici, Emanuel de Costin, au fost realizate cercetri de
suprafa, sondaje i spturi arheologice. Totodat, rapoartele trimise de
conservatorii i membrii corespondeni ai Comisiei Centrale din Viena, publicate n
Mittheilungen der k.k. Central-Kommission, conin unele dintre cele mai vechi mrturii
despre splendida civilizaie cu ceramic pictat de pe teritoriul provinciei austriece
Bucovina. Chiar dac i n alte locuri din Bucovina s-au descoperit vestigii arheologice
valoroase, care astzi pot fi atribuite fr vreo ndoial culturii Cucuteni, cum ar fi
interesantele materiale de la Siret Zamca i Crmidria Beill, ineditul, formele uor
reconstituibile i decorul excepional al vaselor de la ipeni a ocupat, aa cum reiese
i din expunerea noastr, locul cel mai important n mentalul colectiv tiinific din
ultimul deceniu al sec. al XIX-lea i nceputul sec. al XX-lea. Avem, prin urmare, n
faa noastr, contactul direct cu primele gnduri i primele materiale cucuteniene
recuperate de arheologii profesioniti i amatori, austrieci i romni, din aezarea de la
ipeni. Intervenia noastr de fa trebuie continuat, ns, n viitor, printr-un studiu
amnunit n depozitele de arheologie ale muzeelor i arhivelor vieneze, pe baza
crora vor putea fi reconstituite, cu uurin, vechile spturi din acest sit, ncepnd
cu anul 1893. Att ceramica, ct i rapoartele redactate de conservatorii i membrii
corespondeni din Bucovina, ai Comisiei Centrale, i ateapt valorificarea definitiv, n
interesul istoriografiei naionale, dar i a civilizaiei cucuteniene.
99

Reinecke 1896, 40-45.

38

Bogdan Petru NICULIC

nelegerea valorilor universale ale culturii Cucuteni, aa cum le cunoatem i


percepem noi astzi, nu se poate produce fr o incursiune, fie ea i minimal n
trecut, i, mai ales, fr s rostim numele celor care, cu peste 130 de ani n urm, n
Bucovina, ndeprtata provincie imperial, au recuperat din adncul pmntului,
vestigiile cucuteniene; aceste nume, nemuritoare, aparin preistoriei austriece i
romneti, i, n acelai timp, preistoriei Europei.

Primele descoperiri de vestigii cucuteniene din Bucovina

39

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Bukowiner Landes-Museums 6, Viena, 111-115.
Romstorfer, K.A. 1899, Aus den Mitteilungen der k. k. Central-Commission fr Erforschung
und Erhaltung der Kunst und historischen Denkmale, Jahrbuch des
Bukowiner Landes-Museums 7, Czernowitz, 104-114.
Romstorfer, K. A. 1903, Bronzekelt und Armspange aus Schipenitz, Mittheilungen der K.
K. Zentralkommission fr Erforschung und Erhaltung der Kunst- und
historischen Denkmale 3. Folge, II. Band, 12, Dezember, Viena, 399-400.
Romstorfer, K.A. 1904, Aus den Mitteilungen der k. k. Central-Commission fr Erforschung
und Erhaltung der Kunst und historischen Denkmale, Jahrbuch des
Bukowiner Landes-Museums 11, Viena, 85-89.
Romstorfer, K.A. 1904a, Funde in Burdey (Bukowina), Mittheilungen der K. K.
Zentralkommission fr Erforschung und Erhaltung der Kunst- und
historischen Denkmale 3. Folge, III Band, 1-3, Januar-Mrz, Viena, 40-43.
Rusu, D. N. 1999, Membrii Academiei Romne 1866-1999. Dicionar, ed. a II-a, Bucureti.
Satco, E. 2004, Enciclopedia Bucovinei, I-II, Iai.
Sbiera, I. G. 1904, Olinschi (Olinescu) Dionisiu, n Diaconovich, C. (coord.), Enciclopedia
Romn, III, Sibiu, 453.
Sbiera, I. G. 1904a, Petrino P. Otto, n Diaconovich, C. (coord.), Enciclopedia Romn, III,
Sibiu, 577.
Szombathy, J. 1894, Prhistoriche Recognoscierungstour nach der Bukowina im Jahre 1893,
Jahrbuch des Bukowiner Landes-Museums 2, Czernowitz, 11-21.
Szombathy, J. 1895, Zweite Recognoscierungstour in die Bukowina, Jahrbuch des
Bukowiner Landes-Museums 3, Czernowitz, 20-24.

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Szombathy, J. 1896, Zweite Recognoscierungstour in die Bukowina, Jahrbuch des


Bukowiner Landes-Museums 4, Czernowitz, 131-135.
Szombathy, J. 1899, Vorgeschichte, in Die sterreichisch-ungarische Monarchie in Wort und Bild.
Bukowina, Wien, 49-56.
erban, C. 1996, Karl Adolf Romstorfer (1854-1917), Codrul Cosminului, S.N., 2 (12), 511-519.
Ungureanu, C. 2006, Inspectorii colari din Bucovina n perioada 1869-1918, Glasul
Bucovinei 13, 50, 2, 23-37.
Ungureanu, C. 2007, nvmntul primar din Bucovina (1774-1918), Chiinu.
Vatamaniuc, D. 1996, Dionisie O. Olinescu, arheolog i cronicar al vieii tiinifice, culturale
i artistice, Analele Bucovinei 3, 1, 17-32.
Werenka, D. 1895, Topographie der Bukowina zur Zeit ihrer Erwerbung durch Oesterreich
(1774-1785), Czernowitz.
Wurzer, R. 1911, Regierungsrat Heinrich Klauser, Jahrbuch des Bukowiner LandesMuseums 19, Czernowitz, 63-67.

THE EARLY IRON AGE GOLD TREASURE FROM BRAOV

Alexandra rlea, Cristiana Ttaru, Mihai Florea,


Migdonia Georgescu, Zizi Balt
Abstract: This paper presents a recently found gold treasure discovered near the city of Braov,
dated to Hallstatt B1 and containing 22 gold notched Brdu-type rings. The treasure is discussed in the
context of similar finds from Transylvania, and the characteristics of the items are analysed: decoration,
weight, dimensions, shape, technology, decoration techniques, metal composition. The possible functions
of this type of rings are also discussed briefly.
Rezumat: Scopul acestui articol este de a prezenta un tezaur recent descoperit, gsit n
apropierea oraului Braov, datat n Halstatt B1 i format din 22 de verigi crestate de tip Brdu.
Tezaurul este discutat n contextul oferit de descoperirile similare din Transilvania, piesele fiind cercetate
pentru a le determina caracteristicile: decor, greutate, dimensiuni, form, tehnologie, tehnici de decorare,
compoziia metalului. De asemenea sunt discutate pe scurt posibilele funcii ale acestui tip de verigi.
Keywords: treasure, Early Iron Age (Hallstatt B1), notched Brdu-type rings, characteristics.
Cuvinte cheie: tezaur, prima epoc a fierului (Halstatt B1), verigi crestate de tip Brdu,
caracteristici.

During March 2014 a treasure consisting of twenty-two gold notched rings was
brought to the National Museum of Romanian History, where the objects are
currently kept in custody for evaluation and research.
The gold rings were discovered with a metal detector 1 on the slope of a hill,
on the outskirts of the city of Braov. Although all the items were placed together
(Fig. 3/1), at first only twenty-one of them were recovered, the last notched ring
being found a few days later. According to the finders explanations he came back in
search for other elements which could be useful for the context analysis. The items
were found at a depth of about 0.25 m, immediately underneath the vegetal layer, in

Department of Ancient History, Archaeology and Art History, Faculty of History,


University of Bucharest, Romania.
National Museum of Romanian History, 12 Calea Victoriei, Bucarest 030026, Romania.
The discovery was made by Mr. Fnel erban with a Garrett AT PRO International metal
detector, registered at Braov County Police Department on 25 th November 2013, with the
number 685 543/NG. We would like to express our thanks to Mr. Fnel erban for bringing
the items to the National Museum and for offering information regarding the conditions and
context of the find.
PEUCE, S.N. XIII, 2015, p. 45 - 90

46

Alexandra RLEA et alii

a close cluster (Fig. 3/1), with a few of them still fastened together (Fig. 3/2; see Cat.
Nos. 2-3, 8-11)2. The area was subject to a field walking in order to establish the
details of the find and determine the land features as well as the possible access
paths to this specific spot (Fig. 2/2)3.
LOCATION
From the geographical point of view, the treasure is located in the southern part
of the city of Braov, in the Prund-Schei neighbourhood (Fig. 2/1). The micro-region is
marked by a hill, Dealul Frasinului (maximum altitude 1016.4 m)4, on its western
slope, at the altitude 777.5 m, being the spot where the treasure was found (Fig. 2/2).
From the point of maximum altitude of the hill down to the valley the slope has a
mean inclination of 15, with several more abrupt areas with an inclination up to 335.
These days the area where the discovery took place is completely covered in woods,
but these are plantations of recent times. It should be also mentioned that the
stratigraphy consists in a thin vegetal layer immediately over the bedrock.
TYPOLOGY
Based on their shape and decoration, the items belong to the category of
notched rings, being representative for the so-called Brdu type, named after the
eponym hoard6.
The rings of this type are closely related to the notched rings, being also notched
but with a more varied decoration7. The notched bracelets and rings have in common
the rounded cross-section of the metal bar and the thinning of the ends, as well as the
almost integral decoration of the surface with narrow parallel notches. M. Rusu
determined three variants of notched bracelets: the Meseeni variant (the entire
surface, excepting the ends, is ornamented with equal vertical notches, and the
2

3
4

5
6
7

It should be mentioned that this find was preceded by a similar one, which took place a
month earlier, when another 4 gold notched rings, with a total weight of 7 g, were
discovered on the slope of an opposite hill (Fig. 2/1-2). These items, discovered also by Mr.
Fnel erban, are now preserved in the archaeological collection of the Braov County
Museum of History. Taking into consideration the fact that the small treasure which entered
the collections of the Braov Museum was the first to be found, it will be conventionally
considered here for reasons of clarity as Braov I, while the treasure which constitutes the
subject of this paper will be named Braov II.
The survey was carried out by Mihai Florea and Cristiana Ttaru on August 18 th 2014.
Direcia topografic militar, foaia L-35-088-A-a, 1982 (The Military Topographical
Department, sheet L-35-088-A-a, 1982).
The slopes were determined on the E-W direction.
Popescu 1956, 228.
Popescu 1956, 228, fig. 138/1-8.

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

47

bracelets bar has a round cross-section); the ona variant (with similar notches, except
on the interior face of the bracelet, so that the resulting cross-section of the metal bar is
in the shape of letter D); the Reca variant (the notches are oblique on the smooth
interior surface of the bracelet, and the cross-section of the metal bar is in the shape of
letter D). Most of the notched rings known so far are identical only of more reduced
size to the bracelets belonging to the Meseeni variant, and they are present (as is
also the case with the bracelets) in the Bronze D and Hallstatt A1 hoards and
treasures8. The Brdu type is represented by rings for which the vertical notches
alternate with triangular or oblique false torsions. They have a round shape and are
made of thin gold bar, decorated on the entire surface with the exception of the ends,
which are thin and pointed, close to each other or slightly overlapping9.

Fig. 1. The distribution of treasures and hoards containing gold notched rings of Brdu type
from Romania.

CONTEXT AND ASSOCIATIONS


The gold notched rings of Brdu type belong mainly to two categories of finds:
either they are part of gold treasures which contain different numbers of items of the
same type (Apoldu de Sus; possibly also the items from the Orghidan Collection), or
8
9

Rusu 1972, 35-36, Pl. III/1-7.


Dumitrescu 1936, 231; Rusu 1972, 36, Pl. III/2.

48

Alexandra RLEA et alii

they are part of bronze hoards, which contain besides bronze tools, weapons and
ornaments, also representatives of this type (Brdu; Tuteu).
CHRONOLOGY
Based mainly on their association with the bronze objects in hoards, the gold
notched rings of Brdu type are considered to belong to the Early Iron Age, more
precisely to Hallstatt B1 (10th century BC), the Moigrad Tuteu hoarding horizon10.
ANALOGIES
As already mentioned, there are several finds in the intra-Carpathian area, both
treasures and hoards, which contain items belonging to the Brdu type (Fig. 1).
Apoldu de Sus (Miercurea Sibiului, Sibiu County). During 1843 eighteen gold
notched rings of Brdu type were found within the territorial limits of the village 11.
No other information regarding the find context is known. The rings, attached to each
other in form of a chain, are presently part of the collections of the National Museum
of Romanian History12. The find was dated to Hallstatt B1 (10th century BC), based on
the characteristics of the items. All the rings are open, thicker in the median area, with
undecorated and slightly overlapping pointed ends. The rings are decorated with
groups of circular notches, alternating with segments of oblique notches with various
orientations. The chain weighs 75.27 g and is approximately 34 cm long 13. The rings
are arranged in the chain in a relative order of size, with the biggest item at one end
and the smallest item (also seeming to be the only one fragmented) at the other end 14.
Some rings are slightly deformed but otherwise in good condition. From the point of
view of their decoration, the rings are present in several variants, having their body
divided in a number of segments varying from 3 to 9.
Bihor County (?). The bronze hoard found during the 19th century contained
socketed axes, saw blades, knives, hammers, spearheads, and money-rings15. Based on the
drawings of the bronze objects and also on the observation that the socketed axes have a
10

11
12
13
14

15

Prvan 1926, 308, is dating the hoard from Brdu to Bronze IV (1000-900 BC); Mller-Karpe
1959, 127; Petrescu-Dmbovia 1961, 106; Petrescu-Dmbovia 1977, 136-137; Popescu 1962, 410411 (changing his opinion expressed earlier (1956, 228), that these hoards belonged to Hallstatt
A); Rusu 1972, 36; Oan-Marghitu 2013, 224, Cat.No.35.1-35.5; A. Popescu 2013, 225.
Luca et alii 2003, 38; Mozsolics 1973, 200; A. Popescu 2013, 225.
MNIR Inv. No. 47586.
Mozsolics 1972, 200; Popescu 2013, 225.
It is not very clear if this arrangement is the original one or it was subject to ulterior
rearrangements.
Prvan 1926, 404 (inele-bani); V. Prvan based his discussion on the information provided by J.
Hampel, Bronzkor, III, inclusively on the plate CCXXVI which is published in Getica as Fig. 257.

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

49

much wider cutting edge than usual16, the hoard most probably belonged to Hallstatt B1.
The five items presented by V. Prvan in Fig. 257/22 and mentioned in the archaeological
literature as belonging to the category of notched rings17 consist of a bigger ring, with
overlapping ends, to which there are attached, through a thinner ring, also with
overlapping ends, 4 rings of similar size, apparently also with overlapping ends18.
Braov I (Braov County). The small treasure containing 4 gold notched rings,
allegedly of Brdu type, was found during the first months of 2014, in the southern
part of the city of Braov, on the slope of a hill, at a low depth. The notched rings are
small light items weighing together 7 g19.
Brdu (Bardocz; Tlioara; Covasna County). The bronze hoard from Brdu
(Tlioara)20 was found in 1858 and entered the collections of the Museum of Natural
History in Vienna during 1899. The hoard contained: 2 cauldrons; 6 axes (from which 2
socketed axes); 2 sickles; 1 sword fragment; 2 bronze rings; several bronze cake ingots;
25 gold rings. In the collections of the National Museum of Transylvanian History ClujNapoca entered: 1 sickle; 3 bracelets; 2 fragments possibly from a fishing hook; 1
decorated gold ring21. The hoard was dated to Hallstatt B1, the Moigrad Tuteu
hoarding horizon, based on the characteristics of the bronze objects22. Although in the
archaeological literature23 the rings are drawn mainly as separated items, they were
described as being 25 gold rings belonging to a decorative chain24. From the available
information, the ten rings which are presented in drawings and for which the weight is
known are small light items (most of them between 1.3 g and 3.2 g), some of them

16
17
18

19
20

21

22

23

24

Prvan 1926, 404.


Dumitrescu 1936, 232.
Taking into account the fact that the rings seem to have circular cross-section but no clear
sign of decoration, it is uncertain if the items really belong to the category of notched rings.
Personal communication made by Mr. Fnel erban.
There seems to be some confusion in the archaeological literature regarding this hoard:
D. Popescu, in both his articles (1956, 228; 1962, 410), discusses Brdu and Tlioara as
different finds, while M. Petrescu-Dmbovia (1977, 127) speaks of a single hoard, Brdu
(Tlioara).
Petrescu-Dmbovia 1977, 127, Fig. 302/1-17. It is unclear if 25 is the total number of rings
which were found, or the item from Cluj is the twenty-sixth item of this type. V. Prvan
speaks of 25 gold open rings (maybe coins) and bronzes: socketed axes, sickles, fragments
of swords, 2 north-Italian cauldrons (Prvan 1926, 308, Fig. 193-196).
Prvan 1926, 308 the beginning of Bronze IV (1000-900 BC); Mller-Karpe 1959, 127;
Popescu 1962, 410; Rusu 1972, 36 and footnote 23; Petrescu-Dmbovia 1977, 127.
Both V. Prvan (1926, 308, Fig. 193) and M. Petrescu-Dmbovia (1977, Fig. 302) use the
drawings after E. Kenner, AoG, XXIV, 1860, p. 388-391.
Petrescu-Dmbovia 1977, 127.

50

Alexandra RLEA et alii

complete and the others apparently in different states of fragmentation; four of the rings
are attached two by two, weighing together in one case 6.8 g and in the other case 3.2
g25. The decoration of the complete items varies from the point of view of the number of
segments dividing the body of the rings, from 3 to 7 segments.

Fig. 2. 1. The area of discovery showing the characteristics of the landscape; 2. The topographic
map of the area of discovery indicating the altimetric profile.

25

Prvan 1926, 308, Fig. 193.

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

51

Fig. 3. 1. Photo taken at the moment of discovery; 2. The items immediately after their removal
from the ground (courtesy of Mr. Fnel erban).

52

Alexandra RLEA et alii

The Orghidan Collection. Eleven gold notched rings with unknown provenance
entered the Orghidan collection26. They were described in the archaeological literature
as a part of a Hallstatt necklace consisting of 10 earrings and 1 ring, decorated with
notches, with various horizontal and oblique motifs, with analogies in the early
Hallstatt from Transylvania (Brdu, Apoldu de Sus, Tuteu). The diameter is given as
22.5 mm and their total weight as 43.02 g27. Most of the rings seem to be complete,
maybe with the exception of the eighth item from left to right, in the photo published
by the authors. It is not clear if the fourth item is not also in a fragmentary state. Also
from the photo it looks like at least half of the items have their body divided into 5
segments of decoration.
Tuteu (Bihor County). Although the hoard from Tuteu is probably the best
documented find containing gold notched rings of Brdu type, there are still a lot of
uncertainties arising from the conditions in which the discovery took place. In the
outskirts of the village of Tuteu, on the Bereteu valley, close to Marghita, near the
forest, a 10 years old boy found in September 1934 Bronze Age objects, which entered
the collections of the museum of the National House Oradea, after being sequestrated
by the gendarmerie because the gold was not declared in time28. In the earliest
publication of the hoard, F. Ardos presents it as consisting of: 6 bronze rings; 1 socketed
axe; 2 bronze buttons; 1 knife; 2 knives in the shape of a spear and with two cuttingedges; 1 half of a socketed axe; 2 knives with two cutting-edges; 5 gold rings; 1 small
clay vessel; 5 copper ingot fragments; fragments of clay vessels dated to the Bronze
Age29. The author was also drawing attention on the possibility that the hoard could
have contained initially more bronze and gold objects: when the gendarmerie from
Marghita took notice of the find, two months after the discovery, some items
disappeared and the already mentioned ones were confiscated by the Oradea police
from certain merchants30. In the same time exactly the fact that the objects were
sequestrated from several different merchants stands against ruling out the possibility
that originally they came from multiple sources31. It seems that later other objects from
that find were recovered since when the hoard was brought to the National Museum of
Antiquities their number was already increased. The hoard came to this institution in

26
27
28
29
30
31

Inv. No. O1/22.


Gramatopol, Theodorescu 1966, 66, Cat. No. 27 (O1/22), Pl. V/1.
Ardos 1936, 72.
Ardos 1936, 72-73.
Ardos 1936, 73.
Dumitrescu 1936, 225.

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

53

two lots: 27 bronze objects and 5 gold rings32 in the spring of 1935, 16 bronze objects in
the fall of 1940; the second lot with the wrong indication of their find place as Terebe33.
A field research was conducted as early as 1936 by F. Ardos, as well as a small
excavation some years later by M. Petrescu-Dmbovia and C. Mateescu (November 13th
December 14th 1945). Although no other items were found, these researches allowed
several observations regarding the find context. The hoard was located approximately
600 m SW of the townships limit and 120 m N of the meander of the Sla rivulet, being
found on the southern slope, washed by water, of the Sla (Szlls) hill, in an area with
no prehistoric settlement known. It opened only towards E and S, with forest in the rest,
forming a secondary valley, closed towards W and SW, in comparison with the wider
and more open valley of the Bistra River. The hoard was at a depth of only 0.05 m, with
several objects scattered at the surface. The present number of objects, comprising the
gold rings, is 48. The information offered by the finders indicates that a big polished
black-brown clay vessel contained the bronze objects (in no particular order) together
with the small clay vessel containing the gold rings placed in a whitish powder. The
objects were: 1 axe with median wings; 11 socketed axes; 4 sickles; 1 knife; 4 saw-blades;
2 blade tips; 12 bracelets; 2 buttons; 5 fragments of raw bronze; 5 gold rings and 2
fragments of gold rings34. The five complete gold notched rings35 are open, with their
extremities slightly overlapping, thinned and pointed. All are decorated with parallel,
longitudinal and transversal incisions. The decoration is disposed in groups on the
entire surface of the objects, only the extremities being left without decoration36. Three of
the complete items from Tuteu have the length of the gold bar separated by their
decoration into 9 segments (2 rings), respectively 7 segments (1 ring), the other two
being decorated with simple circular notches on their entire surface, with the exception
of their ends37 (forming 3 segments of decoration). Their weight and maximum diameter
are38: 10.20 g with 55 mm; 7.20 g with 34 mm; 5.90 g with 33.2 mm; 3.05 g with 24.3 mm;
32

33
34

35

36
37
38

Most probably all the gold items: in the early publications (for example Popescu 1956, 229, Fig.
140/3) the 2 small rings made of fragments from notched rings and intertwined are presented as
attached through one of them to the biggest of the 5 complete notched rings. They are now
exhibited in the Treasure Room of the National Museum of Romanian History separated from
the biggest ring, as an individual item. It is not known when this separation took place.
Petrescu-Dmbovia 1961, 81.
Dumitrescu 1936, 225-234; Petrescu-Dmbovia 1961, 81-114, fig. 1-5; Petrescu-Dmbovia
1977, 136-137, fig. 329/1-12, 330/1-19, 331/1-17; rlea, Popescu 2013, 223, Cat. No. 35.
MNIR Inv. No. 8992-8996. The two fragments of notched rings attached to each other
received their own inventory number (Inv. No. 8997).
Dumitrescu 1936, 231.
Oan-Marghitu 2013, 224, Cat.No.35.1-35.5.
In the increasing order of their inventory number.

54

Alexandra RLEA et alii

2.40 g with 21.2 mm; 1.20 g with the length of the two fragments together of 10 mm39. If
it is taken into account the fact that originally the two ring fragments were attached to
the biggest of the complete notched rings, the total weight of the resulting item would
have been 11.40 g.
DISCUSSION
Find context
It can be easily noticed from the presentation of the treasures and hoards
containing gold notched rings of Brdu type that many essential details concerning
their deposition (such as location, association with structures or land features,
association of items, state of preservation, integrity of the find, internal arrangement) are
lost. As a result, any comparison between these finds or between them and any new
find is bound to be marked by uncertainties. Keeping in mind this warning, we consider
that it could still be useful to determine if the few characteristics known for the
deposition of this type of rings are to be met also in the case of the treasure Braov II.
Location. The only finds which can offer more or less viable information regarding
the location are the hoard from Tuteu and the treasure Braov I. Both have in common
with each other and with the treasure Braov II the deposition of the items on the slope
of a hill, in areas with relatively difficult access, and in spots where no other structures
contemporary with them could be identified. In fact, the closest Hallstatt B1 find to our
treasure seems to be so far the treasure Braov I and vice versa. What differs is the
orientation of the slope, which faces W in the case of Braov II, E in the case of Braov I 40
and S in the case of Tuteu. Another common feature is that all three of them were
found very close to the surface (0.25 m for Braov II; 0.05 m for Tuteu).
Association of items. As it was already mentioned, the gold notched rings of
Brdu type from the intra-Carpathian area are either found in treasures containing
only this kind of items or in hoards in association with items of the same type and
with bronze objects. Unfortunately the conditions of discovery are in many cases
less clear than it could be wished, so any conclusion arising from this observation
with respect to a possible pattern in the association of items should be prudently left
open. Still, if the new found treasure is considered from this perspective, it seems to
join the same trend of treasuring gold items of the same type. This situation is rather
different to what happens during the timespan from Middle Bronze Age to Hallstatt
A in this area, when the trend seems to be towards associating in treasures gold
39
40

Oan-Marghitu 2013, 224, cat. no. 35.1-35.5.


In fact it can be considered that there is reciprocal visibility between the two spots, as they
are situated on almost opposite hills, on slopes facing each other from both sides of the
valley.

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

55

objects belonging to different categories and types and in the same time towards
maintaining a more or less clear separation between the deposition of gold items
and that of bronze items41.
Arrangement. There is not a lot of information regarding this aspect of the
deposition of the gold notched rings. In the case of the hoard from Tuteu the finders
described the gold rings as being placed in a small clay vessel, in a whitish powder,
next to the bronze objects, all of them being placed in a bigger clay vessel 42. For the
rest of the finds the information is even scarcer. In the case of the treasure Braov II
the close cluster of the gold objects could be as well the result of their placement as a
bulk directly in the ground or a sign that initially they were placed in a container
made of organic material (for example, leather bag or small wooden box) which has
not survived. As long as there is no kind of proof for any of these possibilities, it is
useless to speculate on this subject.
What is interesting to notice is that both in the Apoldu de Sus treasure and in
the Orghidan Collection treasure, the items are attached to each other so that the
result is a chain43. In a similar way were described in the archaeological literature the
notched rings from Brdu, as belonging initially to a decorative chain 44. The only
question that could arise is if this is the original form in which the rings were
treasured or the result of a later intervention. Still, as long as on one hand this
situation is repetitive in the case of the notched rings and on another hand similar
finds are known for hair-rings and rings (including the Bronze D Hallstatt A type
with lozenge-shaped cross-section)45, there is no strong reason to doubt that this was
the original arrangement.
The treasure Braov II contains both individual items and groupings of rings
attached to each another. At the moment of their arrival at the National Museum there
were 9 individual rings (Cat. Nos. 1, 4-7, 12-15), 6 rings attached two by two (Cat. Nos.
2/1-2; 8/1-2; 9/1-2), and 6 rings attached three in a row (Cat. Nos. 10/1-3; 11/1-3). More
difficult is to determine if the ring to which are attached two small rings made of

41

42
43

44
45

For a more complete view on this point see Popescu 1956; Popescu 1962; Rusu 1972 (with the
catalogue of gold finds for Bronze D Hallstatt A).
Petrescu-Dmbovia 1961, 81.
Luca et alii 2003, 38; Mozsolics 1973, 200; A. Popescu 2013, 225; Gramatopol, Theodorescu
1966, 66, Cat. No. 27 (O1/22), Pl. V/1.
Petrescu-Dmbovia 1977, 127.
Popescu 1956, 209, 227, Fig. 124, 139/8; Rusu 1972, 45 (Cat. No. 27), 46 (Cat. No. 30, 33, 37), 47
(Cat. No. 43), 50 (Cat. No. 69); Gramatopol, Theodorescu 1966, 66, Cat. No. 14, Pl. II/5

56

Alexandra RLEA et alii

fragments of notched rings (Cat. Nos. 3.1-3) should be considered as an individual


item or as a grouping46.
Number of items.The number of gold notched rings of Brdu type associated in
treasures and hoards seems to vary greatly, but again it should be kept in mind that
for many finds there are serious difficulties in establishing their integrity (their
original composition). Until now the lowest number of items is offered by the treasure
Braov II (4 rings), followed by the hoard from Tuteu (5 complete rings and 2
fragments). On the other end of the spectrum are the treasure from Apoldu de Sus (at
least 18 rings47), the treasure discussed here, with 22 items48, and the hoard from
Brdu (25 or 26 items)49. Somewhere in between is situated the chain belonging to the
Orghidan Collection, which consists of 11 rings.
State of preservation.The main problem in any situation concerning metal objects
found in other conditions than archaeological excavation is to determine if their state
of preservation is the original one (the state they were in at the moment of deposition)
or they suffered ulterior modifications during their stay in the ground, at the moment
of their discovery or after that moment. In the case of gold objects it is usually
impossible to say if they were deposited being already in a state of deformation or
fragmentation, if this happened because of the depositional conditions (supporting the
pressure of the soil or of the associated items, for example), natural conditions and/or

46

47

48

49

Mr. Fnel erban, in a personal communication, emphasized the fact that at the moment of the
discovery, when the rings were removed from the ground, more of them gave the impression
of being attached to each other and separating as a result of the movement. Taking this
description into consideration, we tried to determine, based on the present state of the items, if
this could really have happened. The visual analysis of the rings left us with the impression
that (with very few exceptions) the way their ends touch or overlap would have made
impossible a voluntary separation in the case of most of the items. In other words, in order to
allow a ring to slide from the attachment to another ring the ends must be intentionally drawn
apart. Thus, the conclusion which has been reached is that most probably at the moment of the
discovery most of the rings were literally hanging to each other (due to the conditions of their
deposition) rather than being really attached in one long chain.
The expression usually found in the archaeological literature regarding the treasure from
Apoldu de Sus is that it contained 18-20 rings (Mozsolics 1973, 200; Popescu 2013, 225). It
is unclear if the original number was higher than 18 or there is just an approximation
expressed at some point and perpetuated in the literature.
The 2 fragments of notched rings (Cat. Nos. 3.2-3) attached to a complete ring were not
counted.
For the uncertainty regarding the number of notched rings from Brdu see above at
Analogies.

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

57

unintentional anthropic interventions, or if this happened because of the intervention


of the finders or subsequent owners50.
The 22 gold notched rings from the treasure Braov II are all complete items, in
a good state of preservation, giving in general the impression of preserving their
original shape. Very slight deformations are present in the case of some items,
affecting especially their ends: the overlapping of the ends in the case of the item Cat
No. 2.1 is exaggerated in comparison to other similar items (Fig. 4/2); Cat. No. 13 has
overlapping but distanced ends (Fig. 6/1); Cat. No. 14 is slightly deformed as a whole,
but most visibly at one end (Fig. 6/2). The deformations in the case of two of the items
(Cat. Nos. 13-14) could be as well the result of use or of the depositional conditions.
The strong overlapping of the ends in the case of the third item seems to be intentional
and in all probability took place before deposition. The only clear state of
fragmentation is that of the two items under the Cat. Nos. 3.2-3 (Fig. 4/3), representing
two fragments from notched rings bent in shape of small rings, attached to each other
and to a bigger complete item (Cat. No. 3.1). In their case it is certain that we deal with
fragments broken in prehistory if intentionally or unintentionally it is more difficult
to say from notched rings and used as a kind of pendant attached to a complete ring
of the same type (Fig. 7/3 where it can be noticed on the broken area the mineral
deposition resulted from their stay in the ground).
This situation matches the general picture offered by the finds of this type. The
4 rings from Braov II seem to be complete and apparently in a good state of
preservation. The 5 rings from Tuteu are also complete items and in a good state of
preservation, although it looks as if the biggest ring was slightly flattened until it
reached an almost lozenge shape with rounded corners. The find from Tuteu also
resembles our treasure in that the biggest ring had attached a pendant consisting of
two small rings made of fragments of notched rings. The rings from Apoldu de Sus
are in their majority complete items, maybe with the exception of the last ring in the
chain, but some of them present different degrees of deformation. The 11 items from
the Orghidan Collection are in majority complete and they seem to have preserved
their original roundish shape. The hoard from Brdu is possible to contain the
greatest number of fragmented items, but even if this is the case there is no certainty
that they were deposited this way and that this is not the result of interventions which
took place after the discovery of the hoard.

50

This is with the exception of the happy (in its unhappiness) situation when modern tools
leaving specific traces were used to cut the gold instead of simply breaking it, as it happens
in some cases.

58

Alexandra RLEA et alii

Characteristics
The characteristics of the gold notched rings from the treasure Braov II which
will be discussed further are their decoration, weight, dimensions, shape, technology,
decoration techniques, and metal composition. Where possible, their characteristics
will be compared to those of items belonging to other treasures or hoards.
Decoration. The most visible and in the same time recognisable feature of the
items discussed here is their decoration, which represents together with their shape
the main argument for including them in the larger category of the notched rings and
in the narrower group of the notched rings of Brdu type. As already briefly
discussed above, what is characteristic in the case of the notched rings of Brdu type
is the fact that the combination of notches divides the surface of the metal bar in
groups or segments of decoration. Based on this observation, an attempt was made to
determine how many variants could be obtained if the number of the decoration
segments is taken into consideration. It must be emphasized that these variants are
established only for the treasure Braov II, with no certainty that they will prove
themselves generally applicable and more as a probing in view of eventual future
research on this subject. The aim was to observe if any kind of relation can be
established between different characteristics of the same item (for example, decoration
and size, decoration and weight, or between these and the metal composition) or
between different items (for example, the existence of sets of rings with very similar
decoration, size, weight, or even gold composition).
Based on the number of decoration segments the rings from the treasure Braov
II were separated into three main variants: A the metal bar is divided into 5
segments (2 undecorated ends; 2 segments with parallel notches; 1 central segment
with more sophisticated decoration); B the metal bar is divided into 9 segments (2
undecorated ends; 2 segments with parallel notches; 2 segments with more
sophisticated decoration; 2 segments with parallel notches; 1 central segment with
more sophisticated decoration); C the metal bar is divided into 3 segments (2
undecorated ends; 1 more extended segment with parallel notches).
The problem which had to be confronted while establishing these variants was
that it soon became clear that the degree of variation in the decoration went beyond
merely separating it into a number of segments. The variation of the decoration itself,
which seems to be mainly the result of two factors the chosen pattern in which the
notches are combined and the decoration technique , intervenes in complicating the
situation. As a result, accepting the risk that any selection of this kind is open to
subjectivity, related variants were added to the main ones. Thus, the variant A has a
related variant A1, also with the decoration divided into 5 segments but with stylistic

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

59

differences, while the variant B has so far four related variants (B1-4) based on the
same criterion.
From the total of 22 complete items, there are: 8 rings of variant A; 1 ring of
related variant A1; 6 rings of variant B; 2 rings of related variant B1; 1 ring of related
variant B2; 1 ring of related variant B3; 1 ring of related variant B4; 2 rings of variant
C. In the case of the two fragmented rings it was impossible to determine the
original variant.
Variant A, containing rings with 5 decoration segments, is characterised by a
central decoration segment consisting of triangles created through the application of
parallel notches (for example, Cat. No. 1; Fig. 4.1). This segment is slightly bulging in
comparison with the rest of the gold bar, enhancing this way the effect of the
decoration.
The related variant A1, although based on 5 decoration segments, presents a
different decoration of the central segment, which is also more reduced in length than in
the case of variant A rings: simple oblique notches placed in pairs and forming a sort of
fir tree motif, running along the length of the gold bar (Cat. No. 10.3; Fig. 5/4).
Variant B, containing rings with 9 decoration segments, is characterised by 3
segments with more complicated decoration: 2 intermediary groups consisting of a
oblique notches placed in pairs perpendicular on the length of the gold bar; a central
group consisting, like in the case of variant A, of triangles created through the
application of parallel notches (for example, Cat. No. 2.2; Fig. 4/2). All the segments
with more sophisticated decoration are slightly bulging.
The related variant B1 has the central segment decorated in the same manner as
the main variant B. The difference appear in the manner of decorating the
intermediary segments, which in this case consist in a fir tree motif running along
the length of the gold bar towards the ends of the ring (Cat. Nos. 5-6; Fig. 4/5-6).
The related variant B2 is very similar to the related variant B1, but the fir tree
motif runs this time along the gold bar toward the central segment of the ring (Cat.
No. 7; Fig. 5/1).
The related variant B3 has all 3 segments decorated with triangles consisting of
parallel notches (Cat. No. 10.2; Fig. 5/4).
The related variant B4 has a decoration similar to that characteristic to variant B,
with the main difference that the segments with more sophisticated decoration are not put
in evidence also through the bulging of the gold bar in those areas (Cat. No. 11.1; Fig. 5/5).
Variant C is characterised by simple parallel notches on the entire surface of the
gold bar, with the exception of the ends (for example, Cat. No. 11.2; Fig. 5/5).
The two fragmented items have preserved each only one end and a part of the
decoration with parallel notches, so it was impossible to determine to which variant

60

Alexandra RLEA et alii

they belonged initially. As it was noticed on one hand that in general the length of the
ends is proportional with the general length of the bar the bigger the item the longer
the undecorated part of the ends and on the other hand that the length of the end is
reduced in the case of both fragmentary items, it is possible to have belonged to small
light rings (Cat. Nos. 3.2-3; Fig. 4/3).
Every other characteristic which will be discussed further is taken into
consideration also in connection with the variants based on the decorative features of
the items, in order to observe if any kind of pattern emerges.
Weight. The determination of the weight in the case of the gold notched rings is
in general hampered by two difficulties: their reduced weight necessitates a very
sensitive balance and their deposition attached in the form of chains makes it
practically impossible to determine the weight of individual items 51.
Cat. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

11.

12.
13.
14.
15.

Item No.
1.
2.1.
2.2.
3.1.
3.2-3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.1.
8.2.
9.1.
9.2.
10.1.
10.2.
10.3.
11.1.
11.2.
11.3.
12.
13.
14.
15.

Variant
A
A
B
B
X
A
B1
B1
B2
A
A
B
B
B
B3
A1
B4
C
A
B
A
A
C

Total weight
7.91
13.97
13.97
7.33
7.33
6.99
6.32
6.14
5.61
13.29
13.29
11.80
11.80
13.94
13.94
13.94
13.77
13.77
13.77
3.50
2.01
3.18
5.25

Weight/item
7.91
9.73
4.24
5.36
1.97
6.99
6.32
6.14
5.61
8.34
4.95
6.22
5.58
4.97
5.53
3.45
5.29
2.17
6.31
3.50
2.01
3.18
5.25

Table 1. The weight of the gold notched rings from the treasure Braov II.

51

There are in this situation the chains from Apoldu de Sus and the Orghidan Collection, as
well as the rings attached two by two from Brdu.

61

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

All the items from the analysed treasure were weighed for greater precision with
a balance used for numismatic finds. The weighing was repeated for each item in order
to ensure the accuracy of the results, which are presented in Table 1 and Graph 1.
In the case of the rings attached by two or three, fortunately it was possible to
temporary detach the items without causing them any damage, with the specific
purpose of weighing them. The rings forming small chains received each a label with
their catalogue number, were photographed before detaching them, and after being
weighed were carefully replaced in exactly the same order as before, using the
photographs as a safety backup. Thus, for these groups of rings there are presented in
Table 1 both their total weight and the weight of the individual items. The same
procedure was applied in the case of the ring having attached the pendant (Cat. No.
3), with the observation that the separation was possible only between the complete
ring and the pendant consisting of two small fragments bent in shape of rings. The
pendant itself was weighed as one item (see in Table 1 Item No. 3.2-3), as it was
very clear that any attempt to detach the two fragments would have been dangerous
for their integrity.
Weight
2g
3g
4g
5g
6g
7g
8g
9g
10 g
Table 2. Weight / number of items.

Number of items
1
2
3
3
6
5
1
1
1

Leaving aside the two fragmentary rings, which are as expected the lightest
item (1.97 g), the weights of the rings cover quite a large range of values. The
lightest item is only 2.01 g (Cat. No. 13) and the heaviest is 9.73 g (Cat. No. 2). The first
impression left by the weight values is that there is no true cluster, with results that
can be described as rather scattered between these extremes. Still, it can be noticed
that half of the items (11) have weights situated between 5 and 7 g, with another
significant number of items (6) with weights between 3 and 5 g (Table 2). The number
of very light as well as heavy items is comparatively reduced. There are 3 items
(counting also the pendant) weighing less than 3 g and 3 items weighing more than
7 g, although a derogation could prove to be necessary in the case of one ring (Cat.
No. 3). In its case appears the same question expressed above regarding the ring from

62

Alexandra RLEA et alii

Tuteu which had initially attached a similar combination of two fragmentary rings: if
the weight of the items should be considered separately, or they should be seen as one
item. In other words the problem to be solved is if and how the weight of this type of
rings mattered for their owners. If the pendant functioned as some sort of weight
supplement, it would be normal to consider the items as one. In that case the weight
of the ring Cat. No. 3 would become 7.33 g, sending it in another category.
From these results it can be inferred at least in the case of the treasure Braov II
some sort of preference for items of medium weight, situated especially between 5 and 7
g. That this is not a general trend can be seen when this situation is compared to what
happens in the case of other associations of items. Unfortunately, the only terms of
direct comparison are offered by the hoard from Tuteu and partially by the hoard from
Brdu. The five complete rings from Tuteu, when analysed from the perspective of
their weight, leave the impression of representing a selection of almost all the possible
weight values: 2.40 g; 3.05 g; 5.90 g; 7.20 g; 10.20 g. To this the weight of 1.20 g of the two
fragmentary rings forming the pendant could be added. The individual rings from
Brdu are far more clustered but in the same time far lighter: 1 ring with less than 2 g; 3
rings between 2 and 3 g; 2 rings between 3 and 4 g. The other finds, Apoldu de Sus,
Braov I and Orghidan Collection, provided until now only access to their total weight52.
So at this moment, from the weight perspective, the composition of the treasure Braov
II looks closer to that of the Tuteu hoard than to that of the Brdu hoard.
In this situation, the question was if a comparison of the mean values of the
rings weights could prove itself more expressive (Table 3).
Find
Apoldu de Sus
Braov I
Braov II
Brdu
Orghidan Collection
Tuteu

Number of items
18
4
22/23
1053
11
5/6

Total weight (g)


75.27
7
121.02
25.15
43.02
29.95

Mean value (g)


4.404
1.75
5.50 / 5.26
2.515
3.91
5.99 / 4.99

Table 3. The total weight and the mean weight (weight/ring) for the finds with gold notched
rings.

52

53

As already mentioned, the rings from Apoldu de Sus and the Orghidan Collection are
attached to each other; the rings from the treasure Braov I are not yet published.
There were taken into account only the 10 items with published weights. It should also be
kept in mind that some of the items, now apparently fragmented, may have been originally
heavier (but not a lot heavier, if the weight of the complete items can be used as an
indicator).

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

63

As it can be noticed, the mean values of weight vary considerably from find to
find. Still, some sort of pairing seems to emerge if these values are compared. First,
there are finds containing only small light items, as is the case with Braov I treasure
and possibly the Brdu hoard. Secondly, there are finds that could be described as
containing mainly medium weight rings (also in general with similar dimensions), the
chains from Apoldu de Sus and from the Orghidan Collection. Thirdly, there are the
finds from Braov II and Tuteu which contain rings varying more visibly in weight
and size, the presence of bigger heavier items offering an increase of the mean value
of the finds weight.
What was observed in the case of the treasure discussed here is that although
the weights of the individual rings vary considerably not the same thing happens to
the total weight of the rings attached to each other. With one exception, the two rings
under the Cat. No. 9, weighing together 11.80 g, they all cluster between 13.29 g and
13.97 g (Cat. Nos. 2, 8, 10-11). Still, at the present moment it is impossible to say if this
situation reflects an intention or is simply a coincidence.

Graph 1. The weight of the gold notched rings from the treasure Braov II in view of their
decoration variant.

If the weight of the rings is considered in relation to their decoration variant


(Graph 1), it can be observed the tendency of the rings of variant A to be heavier than
the rings of variant B and C (5 items between 6.31 and 9.73 g). Still, there are also
exceptions, two rings (Cat. Nos. 13-14) placed by their decoration characteristics in

64

Alexandra RLEA et alii

variant A are some of the lightest items. Also the ring belonging to the related variant
A1 (Cat. No. 10.3) is a very light item (3.45 g). From this point of view, the rings
belonging to variant B and related variants B1-4 have the most consistent behaviour,
with weights between 3.50 and 6.32 g. The two rings belonging to variant C are quite
separated by their weight, since one item (Cat. No. 11.2) weighs 2.17 g and the other
(Cat. No. 15) weighs 5.25 g. In the same time, very interesting seem to be the two rings
belonging to the variant B1 (Cat. Nos. 5-6), which have very similar weights, 6.32 and
6.14 g. Except for them, it is difficult to determine clearly any pairings or clusters.
Dimensions and shape. These two characteristics of the rings will be discussed
together, as they are directly related to each other.
From the point of view of their shape, the rings of Brdu type were described
in the archaeological literature as items with a round or rounded shape, made of metal
bar thicker in the middle and thinning progressively towards the ends, which are
open and pointed54. During the process of measuring the rings from the Braov II
treasure, the items were conventionally placed on the working surface in the same
position they are usually presented in the photos or drawings, with their ends up and
the thicker part of the gold bar down (see photo below). Then, in order to establish
their size and in the same time to determine how round they really are, two diameters
were measured on the interior of each item and two diameters were measured on the
exterior of each item, both vertically and horizontally. For the dimensions of the gold
bar itself, again two diameters were measured, in each case on the thinnest point
(which proved to be at the end) and on the thickest point (which proved to be in the
middle, on the central segment of decoration).
The dimensions of the rings cover quite a large range, as it can be seen in Table
4. Still, as in the case of their weight, the rings belonging to variant A have the
tendency to be bigger than the rings belonging to the other variants.
The comparison between the lengths of the vertical and horizontal diameters of
the analysed rings proved that none of the measured items is perfectly round in
shape. The variation of the relation between the vertical and horizontal diameters
results in two shapes: ovoid or egg-shaped (when D1 is longer than D2) and oval
(when D1 is shorter than D2). The next step was to see if the shape is up to some point
connected to the rings variant (Table 4).
The rings of type A adopt both the ovoid and the oval shape. From the total of 8
rings belonging to this variant, 3 have ovoid shape. It is possible that another ring of
this type (Cat. No. 8.1) belonged initially to this group, its present oval shape being
probably created by the ulterior accentuated overlapping of the ends. The other 5
54

Dumitrescu 1936, 231; Rusu 1972, 36, Pl. III/2; A. Popescu 2013, 225.

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

65

items have a slightly oval shape. The ring belonging to the related variant A1 has an
ovoid shape.

Interior diameters:
d1 on the vertical
d2 on the horizontal
Exterior diameters:
D1 on the vertical
D2 on the horizontal
Metal bar diameters:
d min: on the thinnest
part (the end)
- d max: on the thickest
part (the middle)

In the group of the 6 items of variant B 4 rings have an oval shape. To them the
3 rings belonging to related variants B2-4, all with an oval shape, can be added. The
other 2 items have a very slight ovoid shape, being almost round (Cat. No. 9.1-2). Still,
the most clear ovoid shape for the variant B and related variants is found in the case of
the 2 rings belonging to related variant B1.
The 2 rings belonging to variant C have both an oval shape.
The attempt to determine the relation between the diameter of the rings (in this
case D1) and their weight gave in general the expected results (Graph 2), with the
greatest part of the rings of variant A offering higher values than the other rings. The
rings of variant B and related variants create a more convincing cluster, having values
closer to each other than it is the case with the variant A rings. Where the graph is
really expressive is in showing better the distinctive behaviour of the two rings of
related variant B1, which are on one hand brought by the relation diameter-weight in
the area occupied by the variant A items and on another hand again very close to each
other. At this point these are two items which begin to behave as a pair. This is not the
case with the two rings of variant C, which are kept quite apart from each other both
by their weight and their dimensions. Instead, another possible pair could be formed
by 2 rings belonging to variant B which have very close dimensions, similar shape,
and also close weights (Cat. Nos. 9.1-2).

66

Alexandra RLEA et alii


Cat. No.
1.
2.1.
2.2.
3.1.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.1.
8.2.
9.1.
9.2.
10.1.
10.2.
10.3.
11.1.
11.2.
11.3.
12.
13.
14.
15.

Variant
A
A
B
B
A
B1
B1
B2
A
A
B
B
B
B3
A1
B4
C
A
B
A
A
C

Shape
ovoid
ovoid
oval
oval
ovoid
ovoid
ovoid
oval
oval
oval
ovoid
ovoid
oval
oval
ovoid
oval
oval
oval
oval
oval
oval
oval

d1 (mm)
36.40
26.66
20.27
24.77
31.98
32.70
32.91
22.7
26.01
24.54
23.18
23.67
21.72
25.52
23.17
25.93
14.92
25.12
14.40
18.87
19.13
31.37

d2 (mm)
35.26
25.71
21.60
25.79
30.37
30.30
30.76
24.39
27.61
25.90
22.86
23.00
22.75
26.51
24.04
28.77
16.63
25.76
18.98
21.83
22.73
31.63

D1 (mm)
42.26
32.28
24.37
30.05
36.28
38.01
37.60
27.63
32.04
28.42
28.80
28.48
27.16
29.70
27.40
31.17
18.68
31.70
20.51
22.27
23.21
35.52

D2 (mm)
40.22
31.64
26.64
31.05
35.25
34.91
35.91
29.55
33.16
30.53
27.81
27.83
27.72
30.83
27.14
32.84
20.11
32.06
23.87
24.71
26.27
35.58

Table 4. The diameters of the notched rings from the Braov II treasure.

It was interesting to notice that a direct relation diameter weight should not
be taken for granted, in the sense that the heaviest item is not necessarily the biggest
and vice versa (see for example Cat. Nos. 1 and 2.1): the general thickness of the metal
bar clearly plays a role in reaching a certain weight in the case of each ring. In the
same time it could be just a coincidence but it should be mentioned that in the case of
the variant A the ovoid shape is associated with the heaviest items (Cat. Nos. 1, 2.1, 4,
and possibly also 8.1 before its modification).
Technology. The gold notched rings of Brdu type were rarely more extensively
approached in the archaeological literature from the perspective of their technology of
fabrication. One remark on this subject regarded the entire category of notched items,
being presumed that both the notched bracelets and the notched rings were cast using
the lost wax technique, since the perfectly uniform notches cannot be obtained through
mechanical torsion55. The mechanical torsion can be excluded from the start as a method
55

Rusu 1972, 36.

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

67

for producing rings of Brdu type, as long as the more complicated segments would
have been impossible to be obtained through torsion. The question remaining is if the
rings of this type were indeed cast using the lost wax technique.

Graph 2. The weight diameter relation for the notched rings from the treasure Braov II.

The visual analysis of the rings cannot offer a lot of information, since the items
are relatively small and the notches creating the pattern are tiny. Still, the impression
left by them is the one noticed by M. Rusu before, that the notches look in general
perfectly uniform, and even more, in the special case of the rings of Brdu type, the
segments with more sophisticated decoration would have been difficult to be worked
directly on the metal bar with the necessary degree of precision. But the opportunity
of analysing the items under a microscope brought a different perspective on the
technology implicated in the creation of this type of rings.
In the case of some of the rings, especially Cat. No. 4, an observation was made
which could cast a light on the method used by the goldsmith in order to obtain the gold
bar. At the end of the item, on the interior surface, it can be noticed a line running along
the gold bar (Fig. 7/5). A similar line could be observed on another category of metal
objects, this time made of copper and belonging to an earlier chronological framework,
the rings with flat-hammered out-turned or rolled ends (senringe). In their case the
metal was poured into a groove and resulted in thin, elongated bars56. The results of the
investigations indicated sand casting, but stone moulds could not be completely
excluded. The cross-section of the rough cast bar was then reworked to become rounder,
56

Butler 2002, 230.

68

Alexandra RLEA et alii

the ends of the bar were flattened and curled more or less into loops, then the bar was
bent into a ring shape. Most items were found in an annealed state, which would
suggest that the final deformation was hot working. But the amount of deformation for
bending the ring was determined as being comparatively low, so that also cold
deformation would have left only few traces like slip lines if any. In any case, extensive
hot working can be excluded57 in the case of the senringe. The most characteristic
aspect of this method is the resulting concave aspect of the interior side of the ring,
indicating cooling shrinkage which affected the surface of the initial metal bar. This
characteristic is a direct result of using open moulds58. Thus, subsequent interventions
were required, the margins of the concave area being hammered inwards, in an attempt
to diminish the concavity. Still, the grooves remained very often plainly visible, even in
the case of ulterior smoothing, the initial groove being transformed into a fine forging
seam but without completely disappearing.
It is very possible that this method was used in the case of the gold rings. The
advantage is that it is a much simpler method, requiring most probably less time and
skill than the lost wax technique, and creating no loss of metal. The thin metal bar
would have been poured in a simple open mould and then reworked to cover the
shrinkage of the metal on the surface left in contact with the colder air, and to obtain
the round cross-section. If this method was indeed used, one remaining question is if
the decoration was created at that point or after the bending of the metal bar in shape
of a ring. This probably depends on the tool kit the goldsmith had at his disposal, but
it is interesting to notice that several items display a certain degree of flattening on the
sides (see for example Fig. 8/3), which could indicate the turning of the bar from one
side to the other and some pressure applied on it. This would be rather consistent
with placing the bar on a harder surface in order to intervene with a tool for
decoration, than with placing an already shaped ring on a support and decorating it in
this manner. Anyway, the fact that the decoration goes all around the metal bar would
have made the last approach more difficult. Another method which would allow the
intervention could have implied the use of a vice or a material like resin, for example,
to fix the ring in place during decoration.
In any case, the details observed when the decoration itself was analysed come
to confirm the use of another method than the lost wax technique. At least all the signs
indicate the application of the decoration after the gold bar was cast. This aspect will
be briefly discussed below.

57
58

Junk 2003, 170.


Butler 2002, 231.

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

69

Decoration techniques. The analysis through the microscope of the 22 complete items
and the 2 fragmentary items indicates that all of them were decorated using most
probably a specialised tool kit, with very fine tools. The fine parallel scratches left behind
by the tools and observed in all the cases seem consistent with the application of the
decoration on an already cast metal bar (for example, Fig. 6/4-5; 7/1; 8/1). The fact that the
scratches are considered left by the tools used for decoration and not in the process of
removing the soil after the discovery of the items is sustained by the fact that the mineral
depositions from the earth superimpose the scratches (Fig. 6/4, 6; 9/6).
Another possible argument resides in the fact that the microscope showed that
the pattern is far from perfect: the notches are rarely equal in depth and width, and
similarly the spaces left between them are unequal on their entire surface (see for
example Fig. 6/5-6; 7/2; 8/1, 3; 11/5). Even more, several errors noticed in the
application of the pattern, errors which normally would have been either avoided or
corrected in time if the pattern was originally made on wax. In several cases it is
visible that the tool slid resulting in an unwanted prolongation of the notch, most
noticeably in the case of Cat. No. 13 (Fig. 11/4). On another ring there is a clear error in
applying the parallel notches (Cat. No. 6; Fig. 8/3). The most frequent mistake seems
to be the unintentional crossing of another element of the pattern. In the case of some
of the rings (for example, Cat. Nos. 1, 3.1) it can be seen how the tool used to create a
notch was pushed too much and crossed another notch (Fig. 6/4; 7/1).
There seem to be two main methods of obtaining the notches, used to create the
parallel notches and respectively the notches forming the most complicated pattern. The
parallel notches were most probably created by a repeated intervention on parallel lines
across the surface. As a result, in a number of cases a prominent ridge was left behind
indicating the limit of each of the (seemingly) two interventions for each individual notch
(Fig. 6/5; 8/2). In some other cases, the parallel notches could have been created by a single
intervention (Fig. 9/1). The fact that each intervention in its turn looks as the sum of
several very fine long lines applied with a similar pressure combined with the presence of
the central prominent ridge left behind in some cases makes it possible that the goldsmith
used an indented tool rather than a fine pointed one (Fig. 10/3).
The notches which form the more sophisticated pattern were more probably
applied with a sharp pointed tool, sometimes in one move (Fig. 7/6) and sometimes
prolonging the notch through a series of interventions with the same tool (Fig. 9/3-4).
Although the range of techniques and resulting notches is rather limited the use
of the microscope offered the opportunity of sometimes noticing different approaches
to similar or almost identical patterns. Even the errors seem in some cases specific for
a ring or group of rings. These observations raised the question if through a more
detailed research it could not be possible to determine different hands, in other

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words rings coming from the hands of different goldsmiths or at least from different
workshops / traditions of decoration. One of the most interesting examples prove to
be the two rings belonging to the variant B1, which are made similar to each other and
distinctive from the rest not only by their dimensions, weight and pattern, but also by
the way that pattern was applied. The technique used is in the same time similar for
the both rings (even the slight errors, like the unequal space left between notches) and
different from that used for other rings, leaving the strong impression that both rings
were made and finished by the same person (Fig. 7/6; 8/1-3 see in comparison with
details for rings belonging to other variants).
An aspect open to misinterpretation on a visual analysis and cleared by the
microscope analysis was the apparent wearing out of some of the rings. The first
impression was that those items suffered from prolonged use which led to the polishing
and partial removal of the decoration in some areas. This interpretation would not have
been normally challenged, but the problem was that the affected areas were in contrast
with any type of use which could be advanced for this type of rings. The worn out
areas were mostly located towards the ends of the rings, on the notched segments, and
on the lateral parts of the metal bar, more frequently only on one side. If the rings were
used as ornaments, either as hair-rings, earrings, fingerings, or parts of a chain, the most
polished areas should have been on the interior and/or on the ends. Still, as there is no
certainty regarding the real ways of use for this category of finds, it was considered
useful to investigate also this situation under the microscope, in the hope of obtaining
more information. The result came as a surprise, since the weak representation of the
decoration in the analysed areas seems to have nothing to do with any kind of extensive
use, being instead a result of the decoration technique. In other words, in the case of
several rings the goldsmith took far less pain to obtain a notch of equal depth on the
entire circumference of the bar. The result is that in general the central part of a notch
is far more visible than its ends which are almost disappearing (Fig. 6/7; 7/2; 8/4-5;
10/5; 11/5). What it is still unclear is if this was the result of a recherch effect, of the lack
of experience or work in a hurry, or simply laziness.
The use of a microscope to analyse in more detail the rings from Braov II
treasure proved to be a real asset to the research. It is the aim of our team to continue to
analyse the photos in order to refine and better understand the results obtained so far.
Metal analysis. The notched rings from Braov II treasure were analysed through
the XRF technique, using a portable spectrometer Innov-X Systems Alpha Series, with
W anticathode tube; SiPIN diode; Peltier cooling effect; work parameters 40 kV
tension, 35 A intensity, acquisition time 30.
The results for the 22 complete rings are presented in Graph 3, the symbols
indicating the variant to which they belong. All the analysed items are made of native

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

71

gold (electrum), containing different percentages of silver. The gold in the natural
alloy ranges from 81.22% to 94.25%. Trace elements were also determined: Cu (only in
the spectra 0.001%); Fe (0.001% 1.45%); Ni (only in the spectra 0.001%); Sn (for 2
items: Cat. No. 1 0.28%; Cat. No. 8 1.27%).
The presence of tin in some of the items and the high percentages of gold in the
natural alloy in general could indicate the use of secondary sources (placer gold). Still,
a degree of prudence is necessary, given the fact that the analyses were conducted on
unprepared surfaces and it was observed that in the case of gold artefacts silver and
especially copper are often lost from the surface (the so-called surface enrichment)59.

Graph 3. The metal composition (Au-Ag) of the gold notched rings from the treasure Braov II.

The analysis of the metal composition in relation with the rings decoration
variant reveals a trend: the rings belonging to variant B and related variants B2-4 are
characterised by higher percentages of gold in the natural alloy than most of the rings
belonging to variant A. The two rings of variant C have values which bring them
closer to the variant B than to the variant A as a whole. Again very interesting are the
two rings of B1 variant, which present both the lowest purity of gold, being very close
to each other in the graph and in the same time separated from the other items. This
characteristic and those discussed before give these two rings the appearance of
behaving like a pair of items.

59

Cowell, Hook 2010, 175-176.

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Alexandra RLEA et alii

Although the trend in the use of gold is present in the graph the resulting
clusters are not as clear as to allow a definite conclusion on this subject. The
connection between metal composition and variant of the rings is not strong enough
to be considered mutually dependent. In other words, it cannot be considered a sign
that a specific gold composition was especially searched for when a ring of a specific
variant was made. A more natural explanation could be that the rings representing
different decoration patterns and techniques were the product of various workshops
which would have had most probably access to different sources of gold. Even if they
were made in the same workshop this does not necessarily stand against using
different sources of gold. The clearest connection remains so far that between the two
rings of B1 variant, which seem to have been produced from the same charge of gold
and by the same goldsmith.
Function
The subject of the function of the gold notched rings of Brdu type was briefly
discussed quite often in the Romanian archaeological literature, without being reached a
clear conclusion. An interesting point is that from the oldest publications of this
category of finds on an interpretation as possible pre-monetary signs was almost always
present. V. Prvan describes the 25 gold open rings from Brdu as maybe coins60, and
the rings from Bihor County as money-rings61. Some years later, discussing the hoard
from Tuteu, F. Ardos considers that the finding place was a bronze workshop, and the
gold rings were the payment for the objects made by the craftsman. Because money did
not exist during those times, the gold rings, or in some areas even gold ingots used
also as jewellery, served as money in the exchange62. More prudent, V. Dumitrescu cites
V. Prvan with his opinion on the function of the rings from Tuteu, without
developing the idea or expressing his acceptance of it63. D. Popescu affirms that in
general the notched rings are considered as ring money, but considers that they could
have played also the role of hair-rings64, followed by M. Gramatopol and
R. Theodorescu in their discussion on the chain from the Orghidan Collection65.
The other line was the one just mentioned, of considering these rings as
ornaments for the body. How were exactly worn was more difficult to establish, as
they are often described as too small to be worn as bracelets 66, but in the same time too
60
61
62
63
64
65
66

Prvan 1926, 308.


Prvan 1926, 404.
Ardos 1936, 73.
Dumitrescu 1936, 232.
Popescu 1956, 227.
Gramatopol, Theodorescu 1966, 67.
Popescu 1956, 227.

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73

big to be interpreted without doubts as hair-rings. Being open rings their use as
fingerings was sometimes clearly rejected67. Their interpretation as hair-rings is most
frequent, as already noticed, followed by attributing to them a function as earrings, or
the use of the more general term of headdress ornaments, especially in those cases
when the rings seemed to form pairs68.
Their context, the fact that the gold notched rings of Brdu type are usually
found in treasures and hoards, does not offer unfortunately a lot of information
regarding the way they were used. Neither can this information be extracted very easy
from their association, their number or their characteristics.
The analysis of the gold notched rings from the Braov II treasure does not seem,
at least at this point of the research, to support their function as pre-monetary signs;
their variation in weight, dimensions, decoration, and even metal composition does not
look consistent with such a use. This lack of standardisation could be of course only
apparent due to the fact that from the statistical point of view the analysed items are far
from being representative, so this question must be left open for now.
No traces of use were determined so far that could throw a light on the way
these rings could have been worn. The only criteria that can be taken into
consideration are those related to their characteristics. As it was already noticed in
the archaeological literature, they are too small to be worn as bracelets (even by
children) and it is clear that a great number of them are too big to be worn as
fingerings. The hypothesis that they were used as headdress ornaments seems to be
the safest one. Of course, at this point the analysis of the rings can only prove that
they could have been used in a certain way, not that they were really used that way.
The characteristics of the rings make it possible for them to be used as hair-rings or
more probably as ornaments attached to a headdress made of cloth. Also a little
experiment showed that they would have been very wearable and beautiful earrings
(Fig. 11/6). There is not any very clear sign that they could have been habitually
used in pairs or sets of more than two, but also nothing is against this possibility.
Our analysed lot seems to contain both unique items and pairs (Cat. Nos. 5-6 and
possibly Cat. Nos. 9.1-2). A more careful research on this subject could bring more
possible sets or, on the contrary, could infirm the present impression. Anyway, the
search for similarity could prove to be a trap, because there is no certainty that even
in the case of sets the symmetry would have been either important or necessary.
Taking the example of their use as earrings, there is nothing to say that they could
not have been worn only as a single item (for one ear), or in numbers greater than
two (more than one earring for one ear), or even in the case of two earrings a
67
68

Dumitrescu 1936, 231.


Dunitrescu 1936, 231-232.

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Alexandra RLEA et alii

different model for each ear. Even more, the arrangement in which the rings of this
type are often found, as chains, could suggest that they were worn at least in some
occasions or by some individuals as such, maybe hanging around the neck or waist,
or attached to the clothes or headdresses69.
The only clear thing at this point is that there is not enough information to
determine how they were used or even if there was a standard of use. It is our hope
that future researches on the subject of the gold notched rings of Brdu type will
bring more useful information.
CATALOGUE
1. Ring (Fig. 4/1).
Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant A.
Weight: 7.91 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 36.40 mm; d2: 35.26 mm; D1: 42.26 mm; D2: 40.22 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 1.09 mm; d max: 3.43 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends slightly
overlapping. The decoration divides the gold bar into 5 segments: undecorated ends; 2
intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the
bars length; 1 central segment more sophisticatedly decorated with groupings of parallel
incisions, forming triangles of various sizes. The central segment is further more pointed
out by the bar slightly bulging in that area. The ring has an ovoid shape.
Preservation: Good.
2. Two rings attached to each other (Fig. 4/2). Total weight: 13.97 g.
2.1. Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant A.
Weight: 9.73 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 26.66 mm; d2: 25.71 mm; D1: 32.28 mm; D2: 31.64 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 0.95 mm; d max: 3.46 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends with
accentuated overlapping. The decoration divides the gold bar into 5 segments: undecorated
ends; 2 intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the
bars length; 1 central segment more sophisticatedly decorated with groupings of parallel
incisions, forming triangles of various sizes. The central segment is further more pointed out by
the bar slightly bulging in that area. The ring has an ovoid shape.
Preservation: Good.
69

A find which could shed a light on more unusual uses of rings, this time hair-rings, is
known from the Middle Bronze Age necropolis from Cndeti (Monteoru Ia phase): the
deceased was wearing a neck-ring like a diadem, placed on the forehead, to which was
attached a chain made of bronze hair-rings which surrounded the face, reaching the
mandible (Florescu, Florescu 1983, 115).

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

75

2.2. Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant B.


Weight: 4.24 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 20.27 mm; d2: 21.60 mm; D1: 24.37 mm; D2: 26.64 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 1.18 mm; d max: 2.88 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends slightly
overlapping. The decoration is divided into 9 segments: undecorated ends; 2 intermediary
segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 2
intermediary segments decorated with oblique incisions forming a fir tree pattern
perpendicular on the bars length; 2 intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel
incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 1 central segment more sophisticatedly decorated
with groupings of parallel incisions, forming triangles of various sizes. All three segments with
more complex decoration are slightly bulging in comparison with the rest of the gold bar. The
ring has an oval shape.
Preservation: Good.
3. Ring with two ring fragments attached to it (Fig. 4/3). The fragments are bent in the shape of
small rings of slightly different sizes, intertwined, and attached to the complete ring through
the bigger of the two. Total weight: 7.33 g.
3.1. Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant B.
Weight: 5.36 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 24.77 mm; d2: 25.79 mm; D1: 30.05 mm; D2: 31.05 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 1.02 mm; d max: 2.95 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends close to
each other. The decoration is divided into 9 segments: undecorated ends; 2 intermediary
segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 2
intermediary segments decorated with oblique incisions forming a fir tree pattern
perpendicular on the bars length; 2 intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel
incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 1 central segment more sophisticatedly
decorated with groupings of parallel incisions, forming triangles of various sizes. All three
segments with more complex decoration are slightly bulging in comparison with the rest of
the gold bar. The ring has an oval shape.
Preservation: Good.
3.2. Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant uncertain.
Weight: 1.97 g (total weight of the two ring fragments)
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 5.95 mm; d2: 6.50 mm; D1: 10.14 mm; D2: 10.26 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 0.92 mm; d max: 1.98 mm
Description: Fragment of gold bar from a notched ring bent in order to create a small ring. The
resulted ring has an almost round shape, with accentuated overlapping of the ends. Given the
fact that the fragment used from the original ring represents one of that items ends, the present
ring has one tapering end, undecorated, and one cut or more probably broken end, decorated
with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the gold bar. The bar has circular cross-section.
As more details of the original rings decoration cannot be determined, it is impossible to draw
conclusions regarding its variant. Still, based on the fact that in general the length of the

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Alexandra RLEA et alii

undecorated ends of the notched rings seems to vary proportionally with their size, the smaller
length of this undecorated end could indicate that the original ring was also rather small.
Preservation: Fragment.

Fig. 4. 1. Cat. No. 1; 2. Cat. No. 2; 3. Cat. No. 3; 4. Cat. No. 4; 5. Cat. No. 5; 6. Cat. No. 6.
3.3. Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant uncertain.
Weight: 1.97 g (total weight of the two ring fragments)

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

77

Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 4.24 mm; d2: 2.92 mm; D1: 7.04 mm; D2: 5.61 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 1.01 mm; d max: 1.74
Description: Fragment of gold bar from a notched ring bent in order to create a very small ring.
The resulted ring has an oblong shape, with close ends. Given the fact that the fragment used
from the original ring represents one of that items ends, the present ring has one tapering end,
undecorated, and one cut or more probably broken end, decorated with circular parallel
incisions, perpendicular on the gold bar. The bar has circular cross-section. As more details of
the original rings decoration cannot be determined, it is impossible to draw conclusions
regarding its variant. Similar to the ring discussed above (cat. no. 3.3), the smaller length of the
undecorated end could indicate that the original ring was also rather small.
Preservation: Fragment.
4. Ring (Fig. 4/4).
Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant A.
Weight: 6.99 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 31.98 mm; d2: 30.37 mm; D1: 36.28 mm; D2: 35.25 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 0.95 mm; d max: 3.07 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends slightly
overlapping. The decoration divides the gold bar into 5 segments: undecorated ends; 2
intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars
length; 1 central segment more sophisticatedly decorated with groupings of parallel incisions,
forming triangles of various sizes. The central segment is further more pointed out by the bar
slightly bulging in that area. The ring has an ovoid shape.
Preservation: Good.
5. Ring (Fig. 4/5).
Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant B1.
Weight: 6.32 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 32.70 mm; d2: 30.30 mm; D1: 38.01 mm; D2: 34.91 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 0.87 mm; d max: 3.05 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends barely
overlapping and a little distanced from each other. The decoration is divided into 9 segments:
undecorated ends; 2 intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel incisions,
perpendicular on the bars length; 2 intermediary segments decorated with oblique incisions
forming a fir tree pattern parallel on the bars length (the tip of each tree pointing towards
the end to which is closer to); 2 intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel
incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 1 central segment more sophisticatedly decorated
with groupings of parallel incisions, forming triangles of various sizes. From the three segments
with more complex decoration, the main one is slightly bulging in comparison with the rest of
the gold bar. The ring has an ovoid shape.
Preservation: Good.

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Alexandra RLEA et alii

6. Ring (Fig. 4/6).


Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant B1.
Weight: 6.14 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 32.91 mm; d2: 30.76 mm; D1: 37.60 mm; D2: 35.91 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 0.99 mm; d max: 3.03 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends barely
overlapping. The decoration is divided into 9 segments: undecorated ends; 2 intermediary
segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 2
intermediary segments decorated with oblique incisions forming a fir tree pattern parallel on
the bars length (the tip of the tree pointing towards the end to which is closer to); 2
intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars
length; 1 central segment more sophisticatedly decorated with groupings of parallel incisions,
forming triangles of various sizes. As it is the case of the previous rings decoration (cat. no. 5),
from the three segments with more complex decoration, the main one is slightly bulging in
comparison with the rest of the gold bar. The ring has an ovoid shape.
Preservation: Good.
7. Ring (Fig. 5/1).
Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant B2.
Weight: 5.61 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 22.7 mm; d2: 24.39 mm; D1: 27.63 mm; D2: 29.55 mm; Crosssection diameters: d min: 1.13 mm; d max: 3.07 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends barely
overlapping. The decoration is divided into 9 segments: undecorated ends; 2 intermediary
segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 2
intermediary segments decorated with oblique incisions forming a fir tree pattern parallel on
the bars length (the tip of the tree pointing towards the main decoration segment); 2
intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars
length; 1 central segment more sophisticatedly decorated with groupings of parallel incisions,
forming triangles of various sizes. The three segments with more complex decoration are not
further evidenced through any bulging of the gold bar. The ring has an oval shape.
Preservation: Good.
8. Two rings attached to each other (Fig. 5/2). Total weight: 13.29 g.
8.1. Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant A.
Weight: 8.34 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 26.01 mm; d2: 27.61 mm; D1: 32.04 mm; D2: 33.16 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 1.48 mm; d max: 3.18 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends markedly
overlapping. The decoration divides the gold bar into 5 segments: undecorated ends; 2
intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars
length; 1 central segment more sophisticatedly decorated with groupings of parallel incisions,
forming triangles of various sizes. The central segment is further more pointed out by the bar

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

79

slightly bulging in that area. The ring has an oval shape, due also to the fact that the ends were
made to overlap much more than in the case of other rings belonging to this variant.
Preservation: Good, the decoration is very visible.

Fig. 5. 1. Cat. No. 7; 2. Cat. No. 8; 3. Cat. No. 9; 4. Cat. No. 10; 5. Cat. No. 11; 6. Cat. No. 12.
8.2. Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant A.
Weight: 4.95 g

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Alexandra RLEA et alii

Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 24.54 mm; d2: 25.90 mm; D1: 28.42 mm; D2: 30.53 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 1.20 mm; d max: 2.89 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends close to each
other. The decoration divides the gold bar into 5 segments: undecorated ends; 2 intermediary
segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 1 central
segment more sophisticatedly decorated with groupings of parallel incisions, forming triangles
of various sizes. The central segment is further more pointed out by the bar slightly bulging in
that area. The ring has a slightly oval shape.
Preservation: Good.
9. Two rings attached to each other (Fig. 5/3). Total weight: 11.80 g.
9.1. Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant B.
Weight: 6.22 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 23.18 mm; d2: 22.86 mm; D1: 28.80 mm; D2: 27.81 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 1.20 mm; d max: 3.16 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends slightly
overlapping. The decoration is divided into 9 segments: undecorated ends; 2 intermediary segments
decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 2 intermediary segments
decorated with oblique incisions forming a fir tree pattern perpendicular on the bars length; 2
intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 1
central segment more sophisticatedly decorated with groupings of parallel incisions, forming
triangles of various sizes. All three segments with more complex decoration are slightly bulging in
comparison with the rest of the gold bar. The ring has an oval shape.
Preservation: Good.
9.2. Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant B.
Weight: 5.58 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 23.67 mm; d2: 23.00 mm; D1: 28.48 mm; D2: 27.83 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 0.99 mm; d max: 2.95 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends slightly
overlapping. The decoration is divided into 9 segments: undecorated ends; 2 intermediary segments
decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 2 intermediary segments
decorated with oblique incisions forming a fir tree pattern perpendicular on the bars length; 2
intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 1
central segment more sophisticatedly decorated with groupings of parallel incisions, forming
triangles of various sizes. All three segments with more complex decoration are slightly bulging in
comparison with the rest of the gold bar. The ring has an oval shape.
Preservation: Good.
10. Three rings attached to each other, in the succession cat. nos. 10.2, 10.3, 10.1 (Fig. 5/4). Total
weight: 13.95 g.
10.1. Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant B.
Weight: 4.97 g

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

81

Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 21.72 mm; d2: 22.75 mm; D1: 27.16 mm; D2: 27.72 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 0.94 mm; d max: 2.70 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends slightly
overlapping. The decoration is divided into 9 segments: undecorated ends; 2 intermediary segments
decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 2 intermediary segments
decorated with oblique incisions forming a fir tree pattern perpendicular on the bars length; 2
intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 1
central segment more sophisticatedly decorated with groupings of parallel incisions, forming
triangles of various sizes. All three segments with more complex decoration are slightly bulging in
comparison with the rest of the gold bar. The ring has an oval shape.
Preservation: Good.
10.2. Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant B3.
Weight: 5.53 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 25.52 mm; d2: 26.51 mm; D1: 29.70 mm; D2: 30.83 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 1.02 mm; d max: 2.85 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends close to each other.
The decoration is divided into 9 segments: undecorated ends; 2 intermediary segments decorated
with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 2 intermediary segments more
sophisticatedly decorated with groupings of parallel incisions, forming triangles of various sizes; 2
intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 1
central segment more sophisticatedly decorated with groupings of parallel incisions, forming
triangles of various sizes. All three segments with more complex decoration are slightly bulging in
comparison with the rest of the gold bar. The ring has an oval shape.
Preservation: Good.
10.3. Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant A1.
Weight: 3.45 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 23.17 mm; d2: 24.04 mm; D1: 27.40 mm; D2: 27.14 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 1.06; d max: 2.48 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends close to each
other. The decoration divides the gold bar into 5 segments: undecorated ends; 2 intermediary
segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 1 limited
central segment decorated with a fir tree pattern, parallel with the bars length, running on one
side of the ring to the right, and on the other side to the left. The ring has a slightly ovoid shape.
Preservation: Good.
11. Three rings attached to each other, in the succession cat. nos. 11.2, 11.1, 11.3 (Fig. 5/5). Total
weight: 13.77 g.
11.1. Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant B4.
Weight: 5.29 g.
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 25.93 mm; d2: 28.77 mm; D1: 31.17 mm; D2: 32.84 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 1.02 mm; d max: 2.90 mm

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Alexandra RLEA et alii

Fig. 6. 1. Cat. No. 13; 2. Cat. No. 14; 3. Cat. No. 15; 4. Detail (Cat. No. 1); 5-6. Details (Cat. No.
2.2); 7. Detail (Cat. No. 3).
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering overlapping ends.
The decoration is divided into 9 segments: undecorated ends; 2 intermediary segments
decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 2 intermediary
segments decorated with oblique incisions forming a fir tree pattern perpendicular on the
bars length; 2 intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular
on the bars length; 1 central segment more sophisticatedly decorated with groupings of parallel

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

83

incisions, forming triangles of various sizes. In fact it is very similar to the variant B rings,
except for the fact that the segments with more complex decoration are not so visibly marked
through the bulging of the gold bar. The ring has an oval shape.
Preservation: Good.
11.2. Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant C.
Weight: 2.17 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 14.92 mm; d2: 16.63 mm; D1: 18.68 mm; D2: 20.11 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 0.97 mm; d max: 2.20 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering overlapping ends. The
decoration is divided into 3 segments: undecorated ends; 1 extended central segment decorated with
circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the gold bar. The ring has an oval shape.
Preservation: Good.
11.3. Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant A.
Weight: 6.31 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 25.12 mm; d2: 25.76 mm; D1: 31.70 mm; D2: 32.06 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 1.22 mm; d max: 3.27 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends slightly
overlapping. The decoration divides the gold bar into 5 segments: undecorated ends; 2
intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars
length; 1 central segment more sophisticatedly decorated with groupings of parallel incisions,
forming triangles of various sizes. The central segment is further more pointed out by the bar
slightly bulging in that area. The ring has a very slight oval shape.
Preservation: Good.
12. Ring (Fig. 5/6).
Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant B.
Weight: 3.50 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 14.40 mm; d2: 18.98 mm; D1: 20.51 mm; D2: 23.87 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 1.04 mm; d max: 2.66 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends slightly
overlapping. The decoration is divided into 9 segments: undecorated ends; 2 intermediary
segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 2
intermediary segments decorated with oblique incisions forming a fir tree pattern
perpendicular on the bars length; 2 intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel
incisions, perpendicular on the bars length; 1 central segment more sophisticatedly decorated
with groupings of parallel incisions, forming triangles of various sizes. All three segments with
more complex decoration are slightly bulging in comparison with the rest of the gold bar. The
ring has an oval shape and it is comparatively small.
Preservation: Good.

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Alexandra RLEA et alii

Fig. 7. 1-2. Details (Cat. No. 3); 3. Detail (Cat. Nos. 3.2-3); 4-5. Details (Cat. No. 4); 6. Detail
(Cat. No. 5).

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

85

Fig. 8. 1-2. Details (Cat. No. 5); 3-4. Details (Cat. No. 6); 5-6. Details (Cat. No. 7)
13. Ring (Fig. 6/1).
Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant A.
Weight: 2.01 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 18.87 mm; d2: 21.83 mm; D1: 22.27 mm; D2: 24.71 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 1.07; d max: 1.96 mm

86

Alexandra RLEA et alii

Fig. 9. 1. Detail (Cat. No. 7); 2-3. Details (Cat. No. 8.1); 4-5. Details (Cat. No. 8.2); 6. Detail (Cat.
No. 9.1).
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends slightly
overlapping, but distanced from each other. The decoration divides the gold bar into 5
segments: undecorated ends; 2 intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel incisions,
perpendicular on the bars length; 1 central segment more sophisticatedly decorated with

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

87

groupings of parallel incisions, forming triangles of various sizes. The central segment is further
more pointed out by the bar slightly bulging in that area. The ring has an oval shape. It is very
small and the bar is very thin.
Preservation: Good.

Fig. 10. 1-2. Details (Cat. No. 9.1); 3-4. Details (Cat. No. 9.2); 5. Detail (Cat. No. 10.2); 6. Detail
(Cat. No. 10.3).
14. Ring (Fig. 6/2)
Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant A.
Weight: 3.18 g
Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 19.13 mm; d2: 22.73 mm; D1: 23.21 mm; D2: 26.27 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 1.08 mm; d max: 2.16 mm

88

Alexandra RLEA et alii

Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends slightly
overlapping. The decoration divides the gold bar into 5 segments: undecorated ends; 2
intermediary segments decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the bars
length; 1 central segment more sophisticatedly decorated with groupings of parallel incisions,
forming triangles of various sizes. The central segment is further more pointed out by the bar
slightly bulging in that area. The ring has an oval shape. It is small and the bar is very thin.
Preservation: Good, but one of the ends is twisted.

Fig. 11. 1. Detail (Cat. No. 11.1); 2. Detail (Cat. No. 11.2); 3. Detail (Cat. No. 11.3); 4. Detail (Cat.
No. 14); 5. Detail (Cat. No. 13); 6. Possible use of the notched rings as earrings.
15. Ring (Fig. 6/3).
Type: Notched ring of Brdu type, variant C.
Weight: 5.25 g

The Early Iron Age Treasure from Braov

89

Dimensions: Diameters: d1: 31.37 mm; d2: 31.63 mm; D1: 35.52 mm; D2: 35.58 mm; Cross-section
diameters: d min: 0.95 mm; d max: 2.22 mm
Description: Ring made of gold bar with circular cross-section and tapering ends, slightly
overlapping. The decoration is divided into 3 segments: undecorated ends; 1 extended central
segment decorated with circular parallel incisions, perpendicular on the gold bar. The ring has
an oval shape.
Preservation: Good.

Bibliography
Ardos, F. 1936, Date arheologice privitoare la Oradea i judeul Bihor, Familia 3, 4, 61-76
Butler, J.J. 2002, Ingots and Insights: Reflections on Rings and Ribs, in Bartelheim, M.,
Pernicka, E., Krause, R. (Hrsg.), Die Anfnge der Metallurgie in der alten
Welt, Verlag Marie Leidorf, Freiberg, 229-243.
Cowell, M.R., Hook, D.R., 2010, The analysis of metal artefacts, in Johns, C., The Hoxne
Late Roman Treasure. Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, The British Museum
Press, London, 175-183.
Dumitrescu, V. 1936, Le depot de la fin de lge du bronze dcouvert Tuteni, Dacia 5-6,
225-234.
Florescu, M., Florescu, A. 1983, Cercetrile arheologice de la Cndeti Coasta Banului,
com. Dumbrveni, jud. Vrancea, Materiale 15, 112-123.
Gramatopol, M., Theodorescu, R. 1966, Vechi podoabe de aur n coleciile Cabinetului
Numismatic al Academiei Republicii Socialiste Romnia, Studii i Cercetri de
Istoria Artei, Seria Arta plastic 13, 1, 63-95.
Junk, M. 2003, Material properties of copper alloys containing arsenic, antimony, and
bismuth. The material of Early Bronze Age ingot torques, Freiberg.
Luca, S.A., Pinter, Z.K., Georgescu, A. 2003, Repertoriul arheologic al judeului Sibiu.
Situri, monumente arheologice i istorice, Bibliotheca Septemcastrensis 3, Ed.
Economic, Sibiu.
Mozsolics, A. 1973, Bronze- und Goldfunde des Karpatenbeckens. Depotfund horizonte von
Forr und plyi, Budapest.
Mller-Karpe, H. 1959, Beitrge zur Chronologie der Urnenfelderzeit nrdlich und sdlich
der Alpen, Berlin.
Oan-Marghitu, R. 2013, Depozitul de la Tuteu, jud. Bihor, Cat. No. 35.1-35.5, in OanMarghitu, R. (ed.), Aurul i argintul antic al Romniei, Catalog de Expoziie,
Muzeul Naional de Istorie a Romniei, Bucureti, 224.
Prvan, V. 1926, Getica, Bucureti.
Petrescu-Dmbovia, M. 1961, Date noi cu privire la depozitul de bronzuri de la Tuteu (r.
Marghita, reg. Criana), ArhMold 1, 81-114.

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Petrescu-Dmbovia, M. 1977, Depozitele de bronzuri din Romnia, Bucureti.


Popescu, D. 1956, Prelucrarea aurului n Transilvania nainte de cucerirea roman,
Materiale 2, 196-250.
Popescu, D. 1962, Asupra unor tezaure de aur din epoca bronzului, SCIV 13, 1, 399-412
Popescu, A. 2013, Lan compus din verigi de tip Brdu, Apoldu de Sus, Miercurea Sibiului,
jud. Sibiu, Cat. No. 36, in Oan-Marghitu, R. (ed.), Aurul i argintul antic
al Romniei, Catalog de Expoziie, Muzeul Naional de Istorie a Romniei,
Bucureti, 225.
Rusu, M. 1972, Consideraii asupra metalurgiei aurului din Transilvania n Bronz D i
Hallstatt A, ActaMN 9, 29-63.
rlea, A., Popescu, A. 2013, Depozitul de la Tuteu, jud. Bihor, Cat. No. 35, OanMarghitu, R. (ed.), Aurul i argintul antic al Romniei, Catalog de Expoziie,
Muzeul Naional de Istorie a Romniei, Bucureti, 223.

DESPRE UN RELIEF DIONISIAC DESCOPERIT LA TULCEA

Victor H. Baumann1*

Abstract: The find in Tulcea, close to the ancient settlement of Aegyssus, of a Dionysian basrelief fragment dated to the Roman period, enables the author to digress briefly into Dionysian
mythology. The bas-relief represents Dionysus as a child, symbolizing regeneration and renewal.
Given the few plastic representations of the Divine Child myth, this find contributes to better
understanding of the cult of Dionysus during the Roman period. The author deems the find one of a kind.
Despite clumsy artistic expression, the bas-relief synthesizes the most dramatic episode in the Dionysian
myth the rebirth, the victory on death, the new beginning, the cyclical renewal of the world.
Rezumat: Descoperirea unui fragment de relief dionisiac, de epoc roman, n Tulcea, n
apropierea vechiului ora Aegyssus, i d posibilitatea autorului s fac o scurt incursiune n mitologia
lui Dionysos, divinitate unic, att n plan cultual, ct i cultural, n general. Fiind vorba de o
reprezentare plastic a lui Dionysos copil, relieful votiv capt o importan aparte, datorat cultului
Copilului Divin care semnifica regenerarea i rennoirea, in extenso, a lumii, anunndu-i un nou
nceput. n acelai timp, datorit numrului redus al reprezentrilor plastice ale mitului referitoare la
copilria lui Dionysos, aceast descoperire contribuie la o mai bun nelegere a felului n care zeul
continua s fie vzut n plin epoc roman. Autorul consider c, dincolo de unele stngcii, vizibile n
execuia artistic a reliefului, suntem n faa unui unicat al plasticii dionisiace, artistul reuind s
realizeze o sintez plastic a celui mai dramatic moment al mitului dionisiac, al renaterii, al victoriei
asupra morii, al noului nceput, al rennoirii ciclice a lumii.
Keywords: Tulcea, Dionysus, myth, Silenus, nymphae, satyr, Hermes, Ariadne.
Cuvinte cheie: Tulcea, Dionysos, mit, silen, nimfe, satir, Hermes, Ariadna.

0.0. Cu 15 ani n urm, patrimoniul Muzeului de Istorie i Arheologie din


Tulcea se mbogea cu o nou pies sculptural descoperit n oraul de la porile
Deltei. Aceast descoperire avusese loc cu ocazia lucrrilor de consolidare i
recondiionare ce se desfurau, n anii 1999-2000, la coala gimnaziala Nifon Blescu,
situat pe strada Nicolae Blcescu, de pe dealul Mahmudiei din Tulcea.
Piesa, un fragment de relief votiv dionysiac, a fost adus i donat instituiei
muzeale de ctre doamna profesor Natalia Naimann, directoarea din acel moment al
colii respective, ctre care se ndreapt, i n acest ceas trziu, mulumirile noastre.
Numeroase alte probleme, ivite de-a lungul anilor, m-au mpiedecat pn n prezent
s m aplec asupra acestei descoperiri de excepie.
*1 Institutul de Cercetri Eco-Muzeale Gavril Simion", str. Progresului, nr. 32, 820009, Tulcea.
PEUCE, S.N. XIII, 2015, p. 91 - 106

92

Victor H. BAUMANN

Fig. 1. Planul oraului Tulcea cu locul descoperirii reliefului dionisiac (II), la cca. 1 km SE de
cetatea Aegyssus (I) / Layout of Tulcea with the place of discovery of the Dionysian bas-relief
(II), approx. 1 km SE of Aegyssus settlement (I).

Fragmentul de relief votiv a pstrat o mare parte din imaginea copilului Dionysos,
sculptat n ni, n basorelief, ncadrat de chenare late i fronton triunghiular2, sugernd
faada unui templu, sau mai degrab a unui monument funerar.
Piesa descoperit la Tulcea se ncadreaz printre reliefurile de cult, definite de
Radu Florescu icoane populare, specifice zonei balcano-anatoliene3. Este sculptat n
calcar cretacic de Bachioi, fragmentul pstrndu-se n urmtoarele dimensiuni:
H max.= 33 cm; h minim = 19,5 cm; g = 15 cm. Lime pstrat: sus = 18,5 cm; max.=
26 cm; jos = 14 cm. H Dionysos = 23 cm. Fronton: h = 5 cm; L = 23 cm. Frontonul este
decorat cu dou ramuri de mslin, unite printr-un fruct n zona central a
triunghiului. n chenarul din stnga este sculptat un vrej masiv de vi-de-vie, cu
frunze i ciorchini de struguri (rezervat: o frunz i un ciorchine). Baza frontonului,
respectiv cornia, mai groas dect prile laterale ale acestuia, se aseamn mai mult
cu linourile aflate deasupra intrrilor n mausoleele greco-romane.

2
3

Piesa se pstreaz n colecia Muzeului de Istorie i Arheologie din Tulcea, nr. inv. 45.222.
Florescu 1980, 134.

Despre un relief dionysiac descoperit la Tulcea

93

Fig. 2. Dionysos copil, TulceaDealul Mahmudiei / Child Dionysos, TulceaDealul Mahmudiei.

Spaiul adncit al intrrii este dominat de prezena statuar a copilului


Dionysos. Trupul infantil al acestuia, aproape complet nud, este acoperit cu
tradiionala blni de ied (nebris), prins n diagonal de umrul drept. O frunzuli
de vi-de vie i acoper organul genital. Cu mna stng ridicat ine toiagul divin
= thyrs-ul, masiv i complet nfurat cu o taenia vegetal, groas, lung i lat. Sub
conul de pin din capul toiagului, palma exagerat de mare a copilului, n comparaie
cu antebraul firav al acestuia, accentueaz atitudinea personajului, prezentat n
micare, cu piciorul stng adus nainte. Figura rotund a copilului este nconjurat
de pr bogat, prins ntr-un coc n cretetul capului i dispus n uvie groase care i
cad pe umeri, asemntor coafurii dionisiace de pe o plcu votiv din Mangalia,
din sec. al II-lea p.Chr.4.

Scorpan 1967, 28-29, nr. 4, fig. 4.

94

Victor H. BAUMANN

Dar ceea ce impresioneaz la acest relief votiv este expresia de suferin de pe


figura copilului, care reprezint, de altfel, i un criteriu de ncadrare a acestui ex votum
n seria portretelor psihologice ale curentului artistic roman din a doua jumtate a sec.
al II-lea nceputul sec. al III-lea p.Chr5. Ochii nchii, acoperii de pleoape, cu
cearcne, i gura cu colurile lsate n jos, dau un aspect cadaveric personajului
sculptat n micare. ntreaga atitudine a acestuia, n ansamblul compoziiei
sculpturale, face trimitere la mitul copilului Dionysos, sugernd unul din momentele
rentoarcerii sale la via. Cci, aa cum afirma unul dintre cei mai mari istorici ai
religiilor, Mircea Eliade: copilul divin este, pretutindeni n lume, ncrcat de un
simbolism iniiatic, relevnd misterul unei renateri de ordin mistic.6.
1.0. Mitul lui Dionysos7 prezint unicul caz n care o divinitate s-a nscut de
trei ori: prima din pntecul mamei sale (Semele n.m.), a doua din coapsa lui Zeus
i a treia cnd, dup sfierea sa de ctre Titani, Rhea fiica lui Uranus, i-a reunit
membrele sfrtecate i el a prins din nou via 8. Mitul masacrrii copilului
Dionysos, transmis de civa autori cretini: Firmicus Maternus, Clemens din
Alexandria i Arnobius, era cunoscut de Pausanias, i de doi iniiai n mistere
Plutarch i Apuleius9. Ei ne transmit informaia conform creia Titanii au reuit s
atrag copilul cu ajutorul jucriilor mistice= sfrleaza, rombul, aricele, oglinda i
alte jucrii de copii care fceau zgomot, atestate mai trziu n documente elenistice
i denumite de romani crepundia=plesnitoare10. Dup ultima renatere, Zeus l
ncredineaz lui Hermes, cu destinaia Muntele Nysa (nelocalizat, posibil n
Thracia), unde Dionysos este crescut de nimfe, apoi, n adolescen, de Sylen. n
tineree particip la lupta zeilor cu giganii, folosindu-i tyrsul drept arm, i i
ncepe periplul universal, propagndu-i singur cultul i nvndu-i pe oameni
5
6
7

8
9

10

Covacef 2012, 31.


Eliade 1981, 388.
Vezi, n acest sens, o parte a bibliografiei referitoare la aceast problem: Daremberg, Saglio
1887, 230-246; Rocher 1984-1890, col. 1029-1151; Jeanmaire 1951 (redition 1970); Nilsson
1957; Matz 1963; Turcan 1966; Turcan 1998; Gasparri 1986; Graves 1993; Welch 1998;
Monteagudo 1999; Ajootian 2000; Dalby 2005; Seaford 2006; Kernyi-Isler 2007; Pippidi 1969;
Eliade 1881, 123-125 (380-392); Eliade 1986, 206 (273-277); Bordenache 1969; Scorpan 1967;
Covacef 1973, 111-116; Covacef 2002; Munteanu 1973, 73-86; tefan 1978; Brbulescu 2001,
245-280; tirbulescu 2003; tefan 1994, 100-101; tefan 1996a, 61; tefan 1996b, 62-64;
Florescu 1980, 134-135; Kernbach 1989, 143-144; Pippidi 1976a, 239-240; Pippidi 1976b, 77-78;
Florescu 1980, 134-135; Kernbach 1989.
Jeanmaire 1970, 382, care preia informaia de la filosoful epicurian Philodemos, din sec. I a.Chr.
Apud Eliade 1981, 388-390. Numele de Zagreus acordat zeului, corespunztor caracterului
slbatic al acestuia, apare n sec. al VI-lea a.Chr. vezi i Kernbach 1989, 143.
tirbulescu 2003, 17.

Despre un relief dionysiac descoperit la Tulcea

95

cultura viei-de-vie. ntlnindu-se pe insula Naxos cu Ariadna, prsit de Thezeu,


aceasta nsoete cortegiul divin alctuit din nimfe, satiri i sileni, Pan i Priapus,
mbogit mereu cu noi menade i bacchante.
Apropiat de oameni i amestecndu-se cu ei, pedepsindu-i sau favorizndu-i,
dirijndu-i i modificndu-le destinul, Dionysos nu se aseamn zeilor olimpieni, ci,
mai degrab, acelor eroi din rndul muritorilor, care prin faptele lor meritaser
nemurirea. Identificat cu zeul egiptean Osiris, cu Sabazios al tracilor i cu Diounsis al
frigienilor11, Dionysos a fost asimilat sincretistic, mai trziu, cu divinitile romane
Bacchus (Zgomotosul) i Liber Pater12, divinitatea arhaic latin a vegetaiei. n
iconografia dionysiac a epocii romane, i Ariadna, devenit Libera, i nsoete soul,
pe Liber Pater, n fruntea cortegiului divin. Aportul religiilor conexe, trac i
egiptean, i al cultelor orientale, sfrea prin a imprima acestei diviniti n epoca
roman, un puternic caracter sincretist.
Dintre toate divinitile, Dionysos era n acelai timp eroul ntors de pe trmul
morilor i zeul fertilitii, al renaterii lumii vegetale, al regenerrii periodice a
lumii13. n acest sens, Anthesteriile, cea mai veche i cea mai important srbtoare a
dionysii-lor, celebrau, la nceputul primverii, triumful Eroului-Anthios (ca zeu al
florilor) asupra morii14. Prin excelen personificare a venicei rennoiri a naturii i a
permanentei regenerri a vegetaiei, cum apare i n poemele homerice 15, Dionysos
n acelai timp zeu i fiin muritoare care a nvins moartea a fost o divinitate a
fecunditii i fertilitii, unic prin complexitatea atributelor sale, n tot panteonul
greco-roman16. Numeroasele sale epifanii, nsoite de miracole, l-au fcut extrem de
popular, mai ales n lumea elenistic i apoi n cea roman. Dionysos simboliza viaa
etern, ceea ce Mircea Eliade, definea lternel retour17. Iedera, ca ornament obinuit al
toiagului divin, era integrat simbolismului vieii i venicei ntoarceri., exprimnd
nemurirea sufletului, iar via-de-vie simbolul imortalitii18. n acelai sens,
amintim imagistica decorului de pe ceramica roman barbotinat, care folosete un

11
12
13

14
15
16
17
18

Pippidi 1976a, 239.


Florescu 1980, 134.
Mrturii iconografice din epoca greac arhaic l nfieaz pe Dionysos culcat ntr-o
peter, iar textele amintesc dansurile sacre i banchetele rituale din faa peterilor
dionysiace (Eliade 1986, 275-277).
Eliade 1981, 382.
Pippidi 1976a, 239.
Vezi i Baumann 2006, 231.
Eliade 1949, 133; Eliade 1981, 301, 392.
Apud Evseev 1994, 76; 202.

96

Victor H. BAUMANN

limbaj plastic, derivat din simbolistica ciclului vieii 19, atribuind motivelor
ornamentale valori sacre, apotropaice.
2.0. Din epocile greco-elenistic i roman a ajuns pn la noi un numr
relativ mic de reprezentri plastice, referitoare la copilria zeului 20. n acest sens,
am ales cteva dintre cele mai reprezentative. Naterea lui Dionysos: pe o pictur
din epoca clasic greac, aflat n Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli 21 (Fig. 3);
pe un basorelief din aceeai epoc, aflat n Muzeul Vatican22 (Fig. 4); pe un vas
grecesc din sec. al V-lea a.Chr., aflat n Muzeul Louvre, din Paris23 (Fig. 5); i un
detaliu mozaic din Nea Paphos (Cipru SV) Casa lui Aion24 (Fig. 6). Copilria:
Dionysos cu Sylen, Hermes i Pan, pictur din villa roman Boscoreale Muzeul din
Napoli 25; Dionysos clare pe panter detaliu mozaic din Djemila (Algeria)26 (Fig.
7); pruncul Dionysos alptat de doic pe muntele Nysa fresc din Villa Farnestina
(Italia)27 (Fig. 9); mbierea copilului Dionysos pe muntele Nysa Nea Paphos
(Cipru SV) Casa lui Aion, mozaic28 (Fig. 8); Hermes n brae cu pruncul Dionysos
(sculptur greac din sec. al IV-lea a.Chr., aflat n muzeul din Olimpia Grecia)29
(Fig. 11/1); Satyr purtnd n spinare pe Dionysos copil ( sculptur roman din Villa
Albani, Roma )30 (Fig. 11/2); detaliu cu Dionysos copil pictur mural din villa
rustica de la Balca (Pannonia) 31 (Fig. 10). Menionm ns c n iconografia
reprezentrilor plastice, care, n general, iustreaz naterea i pruncia divinitii,
exceptnd cele dou piese din catalogul lui Gasparri (vezi nota 19), apropiate
temetic, nu am ntlnit analogii pentru piesa de la Tulcea.
19
20

21
22
23

24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

Vulcnescu 1987, 556; 560; 566.


n catalogul de reprezentri plastice ale divinitii, ntocmit de Carlo Gasparri n LIMC, III,1,
sunt enumerate 871 de piese bacchice, din care numai 44 cu imaginea copilului Dionysos:
cinci ilustrnd naterea i restul copilria zeului, de la ceramica pictat, pn la sculptura n
marmur. Numai dou din acestea se apropie tematic de piesa descoperit la Tulcea,
respectiv nr. 706 i 707, care prezint ns intrarea copilului Dionysos n sanctuarul su.
http://www.truthbeknown.com/dionysus.html
www.cosmovision.com Dionysos: les mythes
Apud www.histoire-fr.com: Les Dieux grecqs files. Mythologie grecque. I. La Gense, II, Les
Olympiens, no.13.
https://www.google.ro/search=villa lui Dionysos.
De Franciscis 1967, 77, 9270.
Blanchard 1980, 169-181.
Alpatov 1962, pl. VI/28; Bragantini 1982.
Welch 1998, 360, fig.138; http://romeartlover.tripod.com/Paphos2.html.
Alpatov 1962, 164-165, pl.VI, 2
Ajootian 2000, 498, fig.10.
Kirchhof 2002, 363-364.

Despre un relief dionysiac descoperit la Tulcea

97

Fig. 3. Naterea lui Dionysos (Muzeul din Napoli, Italia) / Birth of Dionysus (Museum of Naples),
Italy (http://www.truthbeknown.com/dionysus.html).

Fig.

4.
Naterea
lui
Dionysos
din
coapsa
lui
Zeus.
Basorelief
antic,
din epoca clasic (Muzeul Vatican) / Birth of Dionysus from the thigh of Zeus. Ancient basrelief antic, classic age (Vatican Museum) (www.cosmovision.com Dionysos: les mythes).

n fosta provincie roman de la Dunrea de Jos, cele mai frecvente simboluri


dionysiace via-de-vie i craterul se ntlnesc, n special, pe monumentele
funerare. Iconografia dionysiac votiv, din aceste locuri, nu foarte bogat, dar foarte
expresiv, este reprezentativ pentru imaginea unui zeu al fertilitii, al vegetaiei i
al vinului32. Demne de menionat sunt reprezentrile de scene bachice de pe
amforetele de la Greci (jud. Tulcea), din sec. I p.Chr.33, asemntoare celor de pe
oenochoe-le din Dacia, de la Tuteu i Apahida34, din sec. al II-lea p.Chr., sau

32

33

34

Vezi, n acest sens: Dragomir 1962, 421-430; Irimia 1966, 22-29, nr. 12-16; Scorpan 1967,
passim; Covacef 1973, 111-116; Covacef 1998, 163-167; Alexandrescu-Vianu 2000, 128-131, pl.
173-177(a-d); Covacef 2013, 18-23.
Scorpan 1967, 34-35, fig. 6a i 6b. Cele trei vase de tip oinophoros, aflate n apropierea cetii
Troesmis sunt decorate cu personaje din cortegiul lui Dionysos, care-l acompaniaz pe
acesta. Cf. tirbulescu 2003,19.
Florescu 1980, 135.

98

Victor H. BAUMANN

frumoasele i interesantele reliefuri votive de la Fgrau Nou (jud. Tulcea), din sec.
II-III p.Chr.35 Reliefurile votive mici i mijlocii i aediculae-le, n care figura central a
compoziiei este cea a divinitii, sunt cele mai rspndite monumente dionysiace de
pe teritoriul Dobrogei36. Acestora li se adaug teracotele37, hermele i efigiile cu
caracter decorativ-simbolic38. Mtile greco-romane, reduse ca numr, aparin n
totalitate tradiiei bacchice, fiind reprezentri ale lui Dionysos-Bacchus, tnr i
matur39, dar niciodat copil.

Fig. 5. Dionysos renscut, pictur roie pe fond negru, ceramic attic, sec. al V-lea a.Chr.
(Muzeul Luvru) / Dionysus reborn, red on black painting, Attic ceramic, 5 th c. BC (Louvre
Museum) (www.histoire-fr.com: Les Dieux grecqs files. Mythologie grecque. I. La Gense, II,
Les Olympiens, no. 13).

35
36

37

38
39

Dragomir 1962, 421-430.


Vezi Scorpan 1967; Alexandrescu Vianu 2000, 128-131, pl. 70-72. O prezentare a
monumentelor dionysiace din mediul rural, a se urmri la Brbulescu 2001, 255-259, cu bibl.
Cristina tirbulescu care s-a ocupat de aceast categorie ceramic din provincial Moesia
Inferior, n sec. I-III p.Chr., prezint i urmtoarea statistic: din totalul de 703 teracote, 400
sunt reprezentri divine, 352 aparin panteonului greco-roman, 338 sunt statuete umane, 225
reprezint diviniti, 52 conin imagini ale lui Dionysos sau prezint subiecte dionysiace
(tirbulescu 2003, 15, 19).
Florescu 1980, 134.
tirbulescu 2003, 17.

Despre un relief dionysiac descoperit la Tulcea

99

Remarcm nc odat numrul extrem de mic al descoperirilor arheologice de


pe teritoriul Dobrogei care ilustreaz copilria acestei diviniti extrem de complexe,
n contrast cu marea rspndire a cultului su. Personal, cunosc doar trei: dou
figurine elenistice din lut ars, terracotta de tip Tanagra, din sec. III-II a.Chr., aflate n
Muzeul de Istorie Naional i Arheologie din Constana 40 (Fig. 12/1-2); un vas de
bronz (oenochoe) cu reprezentri bacchice figurate, descoperit la Callatis, ntr-un
mormnt de incineraie n tumul, din sec. II p.Chr. 41 (Fig. 12/3). Am introdus n aceast
grup i originalul altar bacchic din calcar, de epoc roman, descoperit la Urluia, n
teritoriul tropaeean42, deoarece, dincolo de stngciile de execuie, sculptorul a izbutit
s realizeze proporiile normale ale personajului sculptat, un bieandru, aflat ntre
vrsta copilriei i aceea a adolescenei.

Fig. 6. Naterea lui Dionysos (Nea Paphos, Cipru SV, Casa lui Aion, detaliu mozaic) / Birth of
Dionysus (Nea Paphos, Cyprus SW, House of Aion, mosaic detail) (Welch 1998, 360, fig.138;
http://romeartlover.tripod.com/Paphos2.html).

2.1 Numrul redus al reprezentrilor plastice ale mitului despre copilria lui
Dionysos, n general, i de pe teritoriul Dobrogei, n special, pune n valoare relieful
votiv de la Tulcea, ntruct acesta nu prezint asemnri conceptuale cu niciuna dintre
piesele cunoscute, care redau scene de la naterile lui Dionysos, datorate lui Zeus i
altor diviniti, sau prezint aspecte din copilria fericit a divinitii, pe muntele

40
41

42

Scorpan 1967, 49-51, nr. 15 i 16, fig. 15-16.


Irimia 1966, 27-28, nr. 15; Scorpan 1967, 53-56, nr. 18, fig. 18 (public greit condiiile
descoperirii vezi mormnt de inhumaie).
Scorpan 1967, 45-47, nr. 13, fig. 13

100

Victor H. BAUMANN

Nysa. Vrsta personajului sculptat pe monumentul de la Tulcea este comparabil cu


aceea a copilului Dionysos clare pe panter de pe mozaicul din Djemila (Fig. 7) i/sau
cu aceea a lui Dionysos cu ciorchinele de strugure, aflat n spinarea satyrului, n Villa
Albani din Roma (Fig. 11/2).

Fig. 7. Dionysos copil, clare pe panter, cu nimf i satir, detaliu din mozaicul din Djemila
(Algeria) / Child Dionysus riding a panther, with nymph and satyr, detail in the mosaic of
Djemila (Algeria) (Blanchard 1980, 170, fig. 1).

Fig. 8. mbierea copilului Dionysos (Nea Paphos, Cipru SV, Casa lui Aion, detaliu mozaic) /
Bathing of child Dionysus (Nea Paphos, Cyprus SW, House of Aion, mosaic detail) (Welch 1998,
360, fig. 138; http://romeartlover.tripod.com/Paphos2.html).

Despre un relief dionysiac descoperit la Tulcea

101

Fig. 9. Fresc din Villa Farnestina, pruncul


Dionysos alptat de doic / Fresco in Villa
Farnestina, Infant Dionysus, breastfed (Alpatov
1962; Bragantini 1982).

Atitudinea personajului i maniera


artistic difer, deoarece sculptorul din
Aegyssus urmrea altceva. De aceea,
considerm c relieful votiv de la Tulcea
contribuie, mai ales, la o mai bun nelegere a
felului n care zeul continua s fie vzut n
plin epoc roman, aici, la marginile de nordest ale Imperiului, ntr-o epoc n care vechilor
credine ale geilor, legate de cultul
strbunilor, al sufletelor nemuritoare, li sa
adugat n epoca roman conceptul religios al
mntuirii43.
Fcnd trimitere la piesele cunoscute
din iconografia Copilului Divin, se pare c,
dincolo de unele stngcii, vizibile de altfel n
execuia artistic a reliefului, la Tulcea, din punct de vedere tematic, suntem n faa
unui unicat al reprezentrilor dionysiace, cu pregnant caracter cultual. Piesa de la
Tulcea este sculptat ntr-o manier stilistic original, care pune n eviden un mesaj
religios. Aseriunea noastr are n vedere att atitudinea personajului, ct i expresia
figurii sale, artistul din Aegyssus reuind s realizeze plastic o sintez a celui mai
dramatic moment al mitului dionysiac, cel al renaterii, al victoriei asupra morii, al
unui nou nceput, al rennoirii ciclice a lumii. Simbolismul religios relevat n
iconografia divinitii, reprezint un aspect particular al psihologiei i al credinelor
religioase despre via i moarte ale populaiei romanizate din Dobrogea istropontic,
pentru care moartea echivala cu o nou zmislire.
Din punct de vedere artistic, suntem n faa unui exponat al artei sculpturale
provinciale romane din Dobrogea, de la sfritul sec. al II-lea p.Chr., sculptur, a crei
originalitate deriv dintr-o exprimare plastic, izvort din concepiile eschatologice
43

n acest sens, vezi cultul ErouluiCavaler, unde, la fel ca i n cazul lui Herakles (Hercules la
omani) simbolul acceptat de greci era obinerea nemuririi prin suferin (Kernbach 1989,
219221), ceea ce era valabil i pentru alte diviniti, precum Dionysos, concepii
eschatologice care au strbtut veacurile pn la victoria cretinismului, i nu numai, fiind
asimilate de asceza cretin ncepnd din sec. IV a.Chr.

102

Victor H. BAUMANN

ale localnicilor romanizai, realizat prin


reuita mpletire a elementelor elenistice i
romane cu cele autohtone44.
Fig. 10. Pictur mural din villa rustica de la
Balca (Pannonia), detaliu cu Dionysos
copil
/ Mural in rustic villa Balca
(Pannonia), detail with child Dionysos
(Kirchhof 2002).

Anumite apropieri stilistice cu piesa


de la Tulcea ntlnim n Dobrogea sec. al
II-lea p.Chr., pe placa votiv de la
Mangalia, pe care am amintit-o mai sus, i
pe altarul bacchic de la Urluia, n special, n privina coafurii personajului divin, cu
precizarea c, n cel de-al doilea caz, de uviele de pr care cad pe umeri zeului
sunt atrnai doi ciorchini de struguri. Micul i originalul altar bacchic din calcar de
la Urluia ne atrage atenia prin atitudinea relaxat a personajului adolescentin,
diferit de aceea a lui Dionysos din relieful votiv de la Tulcea, dar realizat n
aceeai manier stilistic. Realizarea unor opere artistice n aceeai manier stilistic
original evideniaz fenomenul constituirii unei arte sculpturale specifice
provinciei romane de la Dunrea de Jos.
Monumentul de la Tulcea, sculptat n calcar de Bachioi, roc dizlocat din
apropierea vechiului ora Aegyssus45, este opera unui artist local, aflat ntr-unul din
nucleele de locuire din teritoriul aegyssens. Considerm c acest descoperire
puncteaz un nou nucleu de locuire de tip villa rustica n acest teritoriu. Este al treilea,
dup cel din zona sudic a oraului, de pe strada Miron Costin, atestat prin
descoperirea din 1970 a stelei funerare a lui Flavius Romanus, i dup descoperirea n
1979 a fragmentului de tbli votiv dionysiac n marginea de nord-est a oraului
Tulcea, la poalele dealului Bididia, pe malul rsritean al lacului Zaghen 46.

44

45

46

Covacef 2012, 31. Asupra fenomenului de ntreptrundere a credinelor religioase cu arta ,


de afirmare a acestora printro nou expresie artistic, specific timpului i populaiei
tritoare ntrun spaiu geoistoric dat, a se urmri Picard 1962, 7; Covacef 1998, 163-167;
Alexandrescu-Vianu 2000, 128-131, pl.173-177(a-d); Covacef 2013, 18-23.
Localitatea Bachioi, n present Nicolae Blcescu, unde se gseau carierele de calcar, folosite
n epoca roman de meterii din mprejurimi, se afl la aprox. 40 km de Aegyssus.
Cele dou piese arheologice au fost publicate n 1984. Vezi, Baumann 1984, 209-210, nr. 8
(Liber-Dionysos); 223-224, nr. 3 (Stel funerar).

Despre un relief dionysiac descoperit la Tulcea

103

Fig. 11. 1. Hermes n brae cu pruncul Dionysos (sculptur greac din sec. al IV-lea a.Chr.),
Muzeul din Olimpia; 2. Satyr purtnd n spinare pe Dionysos copil (sculptur roman din
sec. II p.Chr.,Villa Albani, Roma) / Hermes holding infant Dionysus (Greek sculpture, 4th c.
BC), Museum of Olimpia; 2. Satyr carrying child Dionysus on his back (Roman sculpture, 2nd c.
AD, Villa Albani, Rome) (Alpatov 1962; Ajootian 2000).

Reamintim c fragmentul de stel funerar descoperit pe strada Miron Costin


din Tulcea ne furnizeaz prima tire epigrafic asupra organizrii administrative a
cetii romane Aegyssus47, despre care informaiile noastre continu s fie lapidare.
Dac avem n vedere faptul c aceast stel funerar era decorat n basorelief cu
47

Fragmentul de stel funerar, descoperit pe strada Miron Costin, la aproximativ 2,5 km SV


de anticul Aegyssus, evideniaz faptul c, n a doua jumtate a sec. al II-lea p.Chr., oraul
deinea un teritoriu n care se aflau sate de tip roman (vici) i ferme rurale (villae rusticae).
Este menionat personajul Flavius Romanus, care deinea spre sfritul sec. al II-lea p.Chr.,
funcia de decurio territorii Aegyssensis, membru al senatului aegyssens, i despre care aflm
c a murit la conacul su (obitus ad villam suam), din vecintatea satului numit vicus Urbiin

104

Victor H. BAUMANN

scena Cavalerului-Erou, descoperirea reliefului dionysiac de pe dealul Mahmudiei nu


numai c atest o nou villa rustica, dar constituie nc o dovad arheologic despre
intensitatea cultului dionysiac din zona Gurilor Dunrii, n primele secole dup
Hristos. Acest fenomen, care reflect psihologia proprie populaiei din acest inut,
respectiv credina n nemurire i venica nevoie de mntuire i de ocrotire a vieii
oamenilor i a cminelor lor, se manifest n grefarea unor noi concepii religioase pe
fondul intim, afectiv al autohtonilor.

Fig. 11. 1. Bacchus-copil. Figurin din lut ars din Tomis (?), MINA-Constana; 2. Teracot,
colecia Canarache, MINA-Constana; 3. Satyr n brae cu Bacchus-copil, vas de bronz,
sec. II p.Chr., Callatis / Child Bacchus. Burnt clay figurine from Tomis (?), MINA-Constana;
2. Terracotta, Canarache collection, MINA-Constana; 3. Satyr holding child Bacchus, bronze
vessel, 2nd c. AD, Callatis (Irimia 1966; Scorpan 1967).

Descoperirea acestui relief votiv ntr-un loc necunoscut pn n prezent, ca


depozitar de informaii arheologice, impune pe viitor o mai atent cooperare cu
populaia local.
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ISACCEANOVIODUNUM.
ARTEFACTE DIN MATERII DURE ANIMALE DESCOPERITE N 2014

Corneliu Beldiman
Aurel-Daniel Stnic
Diana-Maria Sztancs
Abstract: Isaccea, Tulcea County (Noviodunum) -osseous materials discovered during 2014
archaeological campaign. The archaeological researches carried out in 2014 in various sectors of IsacceaFortress site (Noviodunum), Tulcea County (NOV) recovered several osseous materials artefacts. Their
study continues the systematic analysis of this type of artefacts discovered at Noviodunum, which started
in 2013. Such artefacts already form here a rich collection, gathered during the past six decades of
archaeological excavations.
The dispersion of discoveries in various sectors of the site does not allow us to formulate some
detailed conclusions. We need to take into account the existence of some workshops where osseous
materials artefacts (especially those made of red deer antler) were manufactured during the Roman period
and Middle Ages (the 2nd3rd centuries AD; 13th century). These items were probably used in composite
artefacts such as: tools, weapons, clothing accessories, furniture accessories, various wooden artefacts,
weapons etc. The raw materials discovered in various stages of manufacture (blanks, unfinished; raw
material etc.) are proofs in this respect.
This analysis aims at extensively highlighting the latest discoveries and the related primary data.
The data in the catalogue and tables 1-2 provide all significant information regarding the artefacts,
according to the current methodology in the field.
In order to achieve the objectives of the study, optical means of observation were used (optical
microscope, zoom 10 40; digital microscope, zoom 10 400); complete sets of images at various
scales were taken (microscopic including), thus initiating an image data base of artefacts discovered at
Noviodunum. The catalogue includes artefacts coded NOV/2014_1 and numbered from 1 to 9, classified
from typologically.
Chronological and cultural data related to the studied artefacts were provided by the author of the
researches (A. D. Stnic) and were correlated (wherever possible) with the observations regarding the
typological and technological specifics. The data are preliminary and can be revised.
Each artefact was studied according to a standard protocol comprising several levels and
components in order to register the data in an extensive/exhaustive manner (see the catalogue).
The typological categories that form the assemblage are presented according to Beldiman 2007
Typology List: Weapons: Tools: bone needles (2); Weapons: bone arrowhead (1); Accessories: red deer

Universitatea Cretin Dimitrie Cantemir, Facultatea de Istorie, Splaiul Unirii Nr. 176,
Sector 4, 040042 Bucureti.
Institutul de Cercetri Eco-Muzeale Gavril Simion, Str. Progresului Nr. 32, 820009 Tulcea.
coala Central, Str. Icoanei Nr. 3-5, Sector 2, 020451 Bucureti.
PEUCE, S.N. XIII, 2015, p. 107 - 136

108

Corneliu BELDIMAN, Aurel-Daniel STNIC, Diana-Maria SZTANCS

antler perforated plate (1); Hafts: handle made of red deer antler (1); decorated bone plate (1); belt buckle
made of red deer antler (1); Technical pieces Raw material, waste: red deer antler tine (1); red deer
antler tine, distal end (1).
Regarding the raw materials, red deer antler is present in 5 items while bone was used for
manufacturing 4 items.
According to the data made available by the authors of the research as well as according to the
data obtained during the typological and technological analysis, the chronology of the artefacts is the
following: Roman period (2nd 3rd centuries 4 items); the Middle Ages (13th century 5 items).
The processing methods of the raw materials include simple procedures such as: fracture,
chopping, scraping, abrasion, sawing, cutting with knives, as well as more complex technological
procedures like: perforation, engraving in order to decorate the piece and finishing it etc. Axe, knife and
saw were the tools used for this purpose. The manufacture of the artefacts was specialised, involving the
existence of some workshops inside or outside the site (trade could be alternative source).
The analysis of the assemblage provides the new typological, technological, cultural and
chronological benchmarks for the complex and extensive approach of the cultural manifestations at
Noviodunum during the Roman period and the Middle Ages.
Rezumat: Cercetrile arheologice din anul 2014 de la Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea au avut
caracter preventiv i s-au desfurat n sectorul afectat de lucrrile de construire a vitorului sediul al
Poliiei de Frontier, Sector Isaccea (TPF). Campania arheologic 2014 de la Noviodunum a prilejuit i
recuperarea unui lot de artefacte aparinnd industriei materiilor dure animale. n marea lor majoritate,
piesele provin din complexe: S1/C11, S1/C12, S2/C3B, S3/C3 dou piese, S13/C15 = gropi databile n
sec. al XIII-lea; S6/C3 dou piese = groap databil n sec. II-III p.Chr.; o pies passim. Studiul lor
continu analiza sistematic a acestui gen de materiale (nceput n 2013), care formeaz deja o colecie
bogat, alctuit pe parcursul a ase decenii de spturi arheologice.
Efectivul total include 9 piese. Scopul analizei de fa este acela de a introduce n circuitul
tiinific descoperirile cele mai recente, cu datele primare n form extensiv. Repertoriul ofer toate aceste
date semnificative relative la artefacte, tratate conform reperelor metodologiei actuale a domeniului.
Analiza a recurs, n mod sistematic, la mijloace optice de observare (microscop optic, mriri 10 40;
microscop digital, mriri 10 400); au fost realizate seturi complete de fotografii la diverse scri,
inclusiv cu ajutorul microscopului, iniiindu-se baza de imagini a repertoriului artefactelor din sit (Fig.
1-20). Catalogul include piesele avnd indicativul provizoriu NOV/2014, piesele fiind numerotate de la 1
la 9 (exemplu: NOV/2014_1), ordonate pe criterii tipologice. Atribuirile cultural-cronologice ale
materialelor studiate preiau ncadrrile propuse de autorii cercetrilor (epoca roman i medio-bizantin),
corelate, acolo unde a fost posibil, cu observaiile asupra specificului aspectelor tipologice i tehnologice.
Ele sunt preliminare, putnd comporta unele revizuiri.
Piesele se pstreaz n coleciile Muzeului de Istorie i Arheologie din cadrul Institutului de
Cercetri Eco-Muzeale "Gavril Simion", Tulcea,. Fiecare artefact a fost tratat dup un protocol
standard, cu mai multe paliere i componente, viznd nregistrarea extensiv/exhaustiv a datelor; pentru
detalii a se vedea catalogul.
Categoriile tipologice reprezentate sunt, n conformitate cu lista tipologic Beldiman 2007: I Unelte:
ace de cusut de os (N = 2); II Arme: vrf de sgeat de os (N = 1); III Accesorii: cataram de corn de cerb (N
= 1); plcu de os (N = 1); plcu de corn de cerb (N = 1); IV Elemente receptoare: mner de corn de cerb

Isaccea Noviodunum. Artefacte din materii dure animale descoperite n 2014

109

(N = 1); V Diverse: Materii prime Corn de cerb (N = 1); Deeuri de corn de cerb (N = 1); efectiv total N =
9. Materiile prime, eboele, piesele rebutate, deeurile indic procesarea local probabil a MDA n ateliere n
care se produceau (i) artefacte IMDA (os i corn de cerb). n privina materiilor prime, predomin cornul de
cerb (5 piese), n timp ce osul este reprezentat prin 4 piese (oase lungi i plate de mamifere de talie mare).
Potrivit datelor furnizate de autorii cercetrilor, dar i n urma analizei datelor tipologice i tehnologice,
ncadrarea cronologic probabil se refer la: epoca roman circa sec. II-III p.Chr. (4 piese: ace de os 2,
nchiztoare pentru pung de piele, cataram); evul mediu sec. al XIII-lea (5 piese).
Piesele IMDA studiate furnizeaz necesare repere tipologice, tehnologice i cultural-cronologice
pentru abordarea complex i extensiv a manifestrilor civilizaiei i culturii comunitilor de la
Noviodunum (respectiv, IMDA) din epoca roman i evul mediu.
Keywords: ancient technology, bone and antler artefacts, decorated artefacts, IsacceaNoviodunum, Middle Ages, Roman period.
Cuvinte cheie: artefacte decorate, epoca roman, evul mediu, industria materiilor dure animale,
Isaccea-Noviodunum, tehnologie antic.

CONTEXTUL
Spturile arheologice din anul 2014 de la IsacceaCetatea Noviodunum, jud.
Tulcea (NOV) au avut caracter preventiv i s-au desfurat n sectorul afectat de
lucrrile pentru Construire sediu sector Poliie de Frontier Isaccea (TPF) 1. Investiia
construirii viitorului sediu al Poliiei de Frontier, Sector Isaccea a afectat o suprafa
de 6000 mp dintr-un teren situat n zona de protecie al sitului arheologic
Noviodunum2. Cercetarea arheologic s-a realizat n dou etape, n funcie de
finanarea asigurat de reprezentantul beneficiarului3. Astfel, n perioada 5 mai - 30
iunie a fost investigat o suprafa de 3000 mp, fiind nregistrat un numr de 164
complexe arheologice. A doua etap a cercetrilor arheologice preventive s-a
desfurat n perioada 15 30 septembrie, fiind investigate, ntre seciunile S14-S17,
110 complexe.

Topoleanu, Stnic 2013; Topoleanu, Stnic 2014; Topoleanu, Stnic 2015a; Topoleanu,
Stnic 2015b (cu bibliografia).
Prima delimitare a sitului arheologic Cetatea Noviodunum, realizat de Victor H. Baumann
n anul 1997, pe baza datelor avute la dispoziie n acel moment, nu a cuprins i terenul
afectat de aceast investiie. Cercetrile de teren realizate n cadrul programului de
cercetare Noviodunum 2000, NAP (Noviodunum Archaeological Project) i Noviodunum
2020 au adus noi date i informaii, referitoare la potenialul arheologic al unor terenuri
situate n vecintatea sitului delimitat.
Avnd n vedere suprafaa mare ce urma a fi cercetat arheologic s-a optat pentru
mprirea acesteia n 18 seciuni, orientate N-S, desprite de martori stratigrafici ce aveau o
lime de 1,00 m. Seciunile au lungimea cuprins ntre 54 m (S 1) i 74 m (S 17).

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Corneliu BELDIMAN, Aurel-Daniel STNIC, Diana-Maria SZTANCS

n suprafaa afectat de proiect (S1-S17), au fost identificate i cercetate 164


complexe, dintre care: 2 atribuite perioadei getice; 53 epocii romane; 186 evului
mediu (sec. XIII); 15 amenajri din perioada Primului Rzboi Mondial i a celui de
Al Doilea Rzboi Mondial. La aceast list se mai adaug 15 complexe care nu
conineau materiale arheologice.
Legat de tipurile de complexe investigate se poate preciza c au fost nregistrate
57 de morminte medievale (sec. XII-XIII), 10 locuine, 90 gropi menajere, 7 cuptoare de
olar, 10 vetre de suprafa, toate fiind datate n sec. al XIII-lea, 42 de gropi din
perioad roman, 4 morminte din aceeai perioad, 1 complex funerar (cript), 3
cuptoare de olar i gropile de rebuturi, 3 vetre din aceeai perioad (sec. II-IV), 16
amenajri din Primul Rzboi Mondial - Al Doilea Rzboi Mondial (tranee, gropi,
sob de companie).
Prezena, ntr-o cantitate apreciabil, a materialului arheozoologic, descoperit n
complexe menajere i locuine, atest, indirect, premise favorabile pentru prelucrarea
materilor dure animale i confecionarea a diferite obiecte de os i corn. n sprijinul
acestei afirmaii vin mai multe descoperiri de oase i coarne de animale n curs de
prelucrare, din care se confecionau: mnere, piepteni, piese de harnaament sau
diferite arme. Potrivit datelor preliminare oferite de cercetarea arheologic, se
prelucrau oase de mamifere de talie mare, coarne de cerb i de cornute domestice,
defense de mistre.
Materiile prime utilizate erau obinute fie prin procesarea carcaselor animalelor
domestice, fie de la specii vnate: cerb, cprior sau porc mistre. Astfel, putem observa
interesul egal pentru creterea animalelor i practicarea vntorii, produsele rezultate
din aceste activiti urmnd a fi consumate n aceeai msur. Prelucrarea materiilor
dure animale este atestat n mod direct de descoperirile unor serii ntregi de unelte,
arme, obiecte de uz casnic i chiar a unor obiecte de port i podoab.
Artefactele medievale identificate la Noviodunum TPF provin din contexte i
complexe datate n sec. al XIII-lea.
Analiza acestui lot permite formularea concluziei preliminare (sau confirmarea
unei vechi ipoteze) i anume funcionarea la Noviodunum, n sec. al XIII-lea, a unor
ateliere n care se prelucrau materii dure animale, n special corn de cerb, care se
utiliza la realizarea pieselor de port/podoab, uneltelor sau accesoriilor pentru arme.
Campania arheologic a prilejuit i recuperarea unui lot de artefacte aparinnd
industriei materiilor dure animale. n marea lor majoritate, piesele provin din
complexe: S1/C11, S1/C12, S2/C3B, S3/C3 dou piese, S13/C15 = gropi databile n sec.
al XIII-lea; S6/C3 dou piese = groap databil n sec. II-III p.Chr.; o pies passim a
se vedea tabelele nr. 1-2). Studiul lor continu analiza sistematic a acestui gen de

Isaccea Noviodunum. Artefacte din materii dure animale descoperite n 2014

111

materiale (nceput n 2013)4, care formeaz deja o colecie bogat, alctuit pe


parcursul a ase decenii de spturi arheologice.
METODOLOGIE, REPERTORIU
Efectivul total include 9 piese (N tot = 9). Dispersia n diverse sectoare ale sitului
(S1, S2, S3, S6, S13) contureaz un context care nu permite, cu acest prilej, extragerea
unor concluzii detaliate. Funcionarea n epoca roman (sec. II-III p.Chr.) i n evul
mediu (sec. al XIII-lea) a unor ateliere n care se prelucrau (i) materii dure animale
(mai ales corn de cerb), care se utilizau la realizarea diverselor artefacte, inclusiv
compozite (mobilier, obiecte de lemn i de metal, arme etc.) este de avut n vedere; n
acest sens avem ca dovezi materiile prime aflate n diverse stadii de procesare,
eboele, piesele reparate etc. n acelai timp, nu se exclude prelucrarea nespecializat a
acestor materii prime.
Scopul analizei de fa este acela de a introduce n circuitul tiinific
descoperirile cele mai recente, cu datele primare n form extensiv. Repertoriul de la
finalul articolului i tabelele nr. 1-2 ofer toate aceste date semnificative relative la
artefacte, tratate conform reperelor metodologiei actuale a domeniului 5.
Analiza a recurs, n mod sistematic, la mijloace optice de observare (microscop
optic clasic, mriri 10 40; microscop optic digital, mriri 10 400); au fost realizate
seturi complete de fotografii la diverse scri, inclusiv cu ajutorul microscopului,
iniiindu-se baza de imagini a repertoriului artefactelor din sit (Fig. 1-20).
Catalogul include piesele avnd indicativul provizoriu NOV/2014, piesele fiind
numerotate de la 1 la 9 (exemplu: NOV/2014_1), ordonate pe criterii tipologice.
Atribuirile cultural-cronologice ale materialelor studiate preiau ncadrrile propuse de
autorii cercetrilor (epoca roman i evul mediu), corelate, acolo unde a fost posibil,
cu observaiile asupra specificului aspectelor tipologice i tehnologice. Ele sunt
preliminare, putnd comporta unele revizuiri. Aa cum se cunoate, etapele majore de
locuire la Noviodunum se plaseaz n sec. IVII i XXV6.
Pentru aspectele generale ale studiului complex al artefactelor din materii dure
animale databile n epoca roman, roman trzie, romano-bizantin (sec. IVII) i
medio-bizantin (sec. XXII) din Dobrogea a se vedea abordrile recente 7.

5
6

Beldiman, Sztancs 2013; Beldiman et alii 2013; Beldiman, Sztancs 2014; Beldiman, Sztancs
2015; Beldiman et alii 2014; Sztancs et alii 2014.
Beldiman 2007; Sztancs 2011.
Topoleanu, Stnic 2013; Topoleanu, Stnic 2014; Topoleanu, Stnic 2015a; Topoleanu,
Stnic 2015b; http://www.noviodunum.ro.
Beldiman et alii 2011; Beldiman, Sztancs 2007a; Beldiman, Sztancs 2007b; Beldiman, Sztancs 2010;
Beldiman et alii 2010. A se vedea i Nuu, Stanc, Paraschiv 2014; Nuu, Stanc, Stan 2014.

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Corneliu BELDIMAN, Aurel-Daniel STNIC, Diana-Maria SZTANCS

Descoperirile databile n evul mediu (sec. XIIIXIV) au fcut rareori obiectul unor
abordri extensive8. Contribuiile generate de analiza loturilor IMDA de la
Noviodunum pot oferi reperele metodologice i repertorial/tipologice actuale pentru
abordarea acestui gen de manifestri ale culturii materiale n spaiul istro-pontic i
regiunile nvecinate.
Piesele sunt inedite i se pstreaz n coleciile Institutului de Cercetri EcoMuzeale, Tulcea, Muzeul de Istorie i Arheologie. Fiecare artefact a fost tratat dup un
protocol standard, cu mai multe paliere i componente, viznd nregistrarea
extensiv/exhaustiv a datelor a se vedea repertoriul. Se vizeaz aspecte precum:
materiile prime; starea de conservare (piese ntregi, fragmentare/fragmente); tipologia;
morfologia; morfometria; urmele de fabricare; urmele de utilizare; formularea
ipotezelor relative la rolul funcional. Fia standard pune la dispoziie datele despre
artefact n urmtoarea structur: Indicativ Tip Cod tipologic Categorie (unelte,
arme, podoabe, materii prime, accesorii etc.) Instituie deintoare/Colecie Numr
de inventar Context Apartenen cultural Fig. Materie prim Stare de
conservare (ntreg, fragmentar, fragment) Descriere (morfologie, date tehnice
privind fabricarea, urme de utilizare, rol funcional prezumat etc.) Dimensiuni (mm)
Bibliografia/Inedit9.
TIPOLOGIE, MATERII PRIME, ASPECTE TEHNOLOGICE I ECONOMICE
Categoriile tipologice reprezentate sunt, n conformitate cu lista tipologic
Beldiman 200710: I Unelte: ace de cusut de os (N = 2); II Arme: vrf de sgeat de os (N =
1); III Accesorii: cataram de corn de cerb (N = 1); plcu de os (N = 1); plcu de corn
de cerb (N = 1); IV Elemente receptoare: mner de corn de cerb (N = 1); V Diverse:
Materii prime Corn de cerb (N = 1); Deeuri de corn de cerb (N = 1); efectiv total N = 9.
Materiile prime, eboele, piesele rebutate, deeurile indic procesarea local
probabil a MDA n ateliere n care se produceau (i) artefacte IMDA (os i corn de cerb).
n privina materiilor prime, predomin cornul de cerb (5 piese), n timp ce osul
este reprezentat prin 4 piese (oase lungi i plate de mamifere de talie mare).
Potrivit datelor furnizate de autorii cercetrilor, dar i n urma analizei datelor
tipologice i tehnologice, ncadrarea cronologic probabil se refer la: epoca roman
circa sec. II-III p.Chr. (4 piese: ace de os 2, nchiztoare pentru pung de piele,
cataram); evul mediu sec. al XIII-lea (5 piese) (tabelele nr. 1-2).
Modalitile de procesare a materiilor prime includ procedee simple, precum
fracturarea, cioplirea, despicarea, raclajul axial, abraziunea, tierea transversal cu
8
9
10

Rusu, Mrginean 2004.


Beldiman, Sztancs 2013; Beldiman et alii 2013.
Beldiman 2007, 211-234.

Isaccea Noviodunum. Artefacte din materii dure animale descoperite n 2014

113

cuitul sau cu ferstrul, dar i soluii tehnologice pretenioase, precum


perforarea/multiperforarea, gravarea (realizarea decorului), fasonarea i finisarea
integrale etc. Ca unelte folosite menionm toporul sau securea, cuitul, ferstrul.
Fabricarea artefactelor se refer, foarte probabil, la mediul specializat, respectiv
la existena unor ateliere n cadrul sitului. n acest sens pledeaz prezena unor piese
ilustrative, precum eboele, materiile prime n diverse stadii de transformare,
deeurile i piesele nefinisate vezi supra i Repertoriul. Aceast concluzie, provizorie,
va putea fi confirmat prin extinderea studiului asupra restului artefactelor de la
Noviodunum (loturile vechi), inclusiv asupra materialului arheozoologic.
Piesele IMDA studiate furnizeaz necesare repere tipologice, tehnologice i
cultural-cronologice pentru abordarea complex i extensiv a manifestrilor
civilizaiei i culturii comunitilor de la Noviodunum (respectiv, IMDA) din epoca
roman i evul mediu.
CONCLUZII
Descoperirile de artefacte din materii dure animale din situl de la IsacceaNoviodunum fac de mai muli ani obiectul unei analize sistematice. Efectivul total
descoperit n 2014 include 9 piese. Articolul de fa materializeaz intenia de a
introduce rapid n circuitul tiinific datele primare, n form extensiv, relative la
acest lot. Categoriile tipologice sunt relativ variate, de la unelte la arme, accesorii
vestimentare, mnere, materii prime, deeuri. Se iau n considerare indiciile legate de
procesarea local probabil a MDA n ateliere mixte, n care se produceau (i) artefacte
IMDA (os i corn de cerb). Au fost definite modalitile de procesare a materiilor prime
pe baza analizei microscopice a urmelor specifice. ncadrarea cronologic probabil se
refer la epoca roman circa sec. II-III p.Chr. i evul mediu sec. al XIII-lea.
REPERTORIU
Fiele artefactelor sunt ordonate pe criterii tipologice. Fia standard pune la
dispoziie datele despre artefact n structura menionat supra, Metodologie,
repertoriu.
NOV/2014_1
Ac de cusut de os NOV 2014 TPF S6 Caroul 10 Complex 3 -1,00 m
Nr. inv. 50498 Datare probabil: epoca roman (sec. II-III p.Chr.) Fig. 1-2
Stare de conservare: pies fragmentar lipsete extremitatea distal, fracturat
n vechime; starea de conservare a suprafeelor este foarte bun.
Materie prim: fragment diafizar de os lung, probabil de vit (Bos taurus).

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Corneliu BELDIMAN, Aurel-Daniel STNIC, Diana-Maria SZTANCS

Descriere: ac de cusut de os; debitaj cu parametri neprecizabili, dat fiind


fasonarea integral a piesei; a fost probabil realizat prin percuie direct/despicare,
percuie direct/cioplire, tiere cu ferstrul. Fasonarea este integral i a fost realizat
prin raclaj axial, aplicat cu lama cuitului; la partea proximal i extremitatea
proximal se observ urme de abraziune oblic; finisare prin polizare (lustruire) cu o
bucat de piele sau de material textil pentru estomparea urmelor de fasonare i
facilitarea utilizrii. Seciuni circulare i ovale faetate la partea mezial i partea
distal i biconvexe asimetrice la partea proximal. Extremitatea proximal este
rectilinie. La partea proximal a fost realizat o perforaie de form oval simetric;
procedeul perforrii a recurs la practicarea, pe faa inferioar (mai puin bombat),
prin rotaie continu, a dou perforaii circulare, avnd perei rectilinii i uor oblici;
aceste perforaii sunt plasate n axul piesei, la o distan de cca 2 mm una de cealalt.
S-a procedat apoi la excavarea sectorului dintre perforaii cu vrful unui cuit i
regularizarea pereilor prin cioplire. Urme de utilizare: tocirea, lustruirea intense ale
suprafeelor, mai ales la partea proximal i la extremitatea proximal, prin
manevrare i contactul cu materialul asamblat prin coasere; este posibil ca fracturarea
extremitii distale s se fi produs n timpul folosirii.
Dimensiuni (mm): L tot 112/108,30; EP 4,62/1,76; PP la perf 4,87/2,15; PM
4,13/3,69; PD 3,62/3,57; CD 3,05/2,98; perf: diam pe FS 5,43/2,13; diam perforaiilor
iniiale 2,10.
NOV/2014_2
Ac de cusut de os Ebo NOV 2014 TPF S13 Caroul 11 Complex 15
Nr. inv. 50496 Datare probabil: epoca roman (sec. II-III p.Chr.) Fig. 3-4
Stare de conservare: pies ntreag; starea de conservare a suprafeelor este
foarte bun.
Materie prim: fibula de mari dimensiuni.
Descriere: ac de cusut de os ebo; debitaj prin percuie direct/cioplire,
percuie direct/fracturare pentru extragerea segmentului distal al fibulei, a crui
morfologie anatomic se preteaz n mod optim la amenajarea unui ac de cusut cu
modul de lungime standard (cca 100-120 mm). Fasonarea este parial i a fost
realizat prin raclaj axial intens, aplicat cu lama cuitului, ca i prin percuie
direct/cioplire; pe faa inferioar fasonarea a fost aplicat pe ntreaga lungime a
piesei, iar pe faa superioar pe cca jumtate din lungimea piesei; n rest se conserv
suprafaa cu morfologie anatomic (partea proximal a piesei este anatomic).
Marginile au fost modelate prin raclaj axial i cioplire pe ntreaga lungime.
Extremitatea distal este conservat integral. Seciunile sunt ovale asimetrice.

Isaccea Noviodunum. Artefacte din materii dure animale descoperite n 2014

115

Suprafeele sunt microfaetate n urma aplicrii raclajului. Ebo abandonat n cursul


operaiei de fasonare.
Dimensiuni (mm): L tot 118,61; EP 12,17/4,66; PP 8,76/4,50; PM 6,82/5,31; PD
6,67/5,35; CD 4,69/3,59.

Fig. 1. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_1 / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress). 2014
excavation campaign. Osseous material artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages). NOV/2014_1.

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Corneliu BELDIMAN, Aurel-Daniel STNIC, Diana-Maria SZTANCS

Fig. 2. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_1. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous material artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_1.

NOV/2014_3
Vrf de sgeat de os Ebo NOV 2014 TPF S2-3 Complex 3B Sud cript
Fr nr. inv. (provizoriu) Datare probabil: evul mediu (sec. al XIII-lea) Fig. 5-6
Stare de conservare: pies fragmentar lipsete extremitatea distal, fracturat
n vechime; starea de conservare a suprafeelor este foarte bun.
Materie prim: fragment diafizar de os lung, probabil de vit humerus?;
metapod? (Bos taurus).
Descriere: ebo de vrf de sgeat de os; fasonat aproape integral; pstreaz la
partea proximal/extremitatea proximal o poriune a suprafeei medulare (cavitatea
medular). Seciuni ovale i circulare faetate. Form general tronconic alungit.
Extremitatea proximal este concav asimetric (de debitaj). La partea proximal se
observ dou planuri de fractur simetrice. Debitaj realizat probabil prin percuie

Isaccea Noviodunum. Artefacte din materii dure animale descoperite n 2014

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direct/cioplire, percuie direct/despicare, percuie direct/fracturare; urmele


debitajului nu se conserv. Fasonare aproape integral, realizat prin percuie
direct/cioplire i raclaj axial, genernd faete suprapuse i juxtapuse pe ntreaga
suprafa exterioar; urmele de cioplire indic aplicarea operaiei n sensul EP ED.
Fracturarea la nivelul prii distale s-a produs probabil n timpul fasonrii,
determinnd abandonul piesei.
Dimensiuni (mm): L tot 141,80/63,80; EP 11,38/7,58; PP 11,68/10,64; PM
11,00/10,95; PD 9,79/9,44; L planuri de fractur 11,27/9,41.

Fig. 3. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_2. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous material artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_2.

NOV/2014_4
Plcu perforat de corn de cerb NOV 2014 TPF S6 Caroul 7 Complex 1
Nr. inv. 50499 Datare probabil: epoca roman (sec. II-III P.CHR.) Fig. 7-8
Stare de conservare: pies ntreag; starea de conservare a suprafeelor este
bun; urme de coroziune slab uniform distribuite pe suprafeele piesei.
Materie prim: corn de cerb, fragment (compacta) de raz sau de ax.
Descriere: plcu perforat de corn de cerb; probabil nchiztoare de pung de
piele?; form general pentagonal neregulat (sau rectangular cu o extremitate

118

Corneliu BELDIMAN, Aurel-Daniel STNIC, Diana-Maria SZTANCS

triunghiular); fasonare integral; pe faa inferioar se pstreaz parial esutul


spongios. Extremitile au fost definite n mod convenional: extremitatea proximal
mai lat; avnd contur concav asimetric; extremitatea distal mai ngust, avnd
contur convex asimetric (ambele cu morfologie de debitaj i fasonare). Seciunile sunt
convex-concave simetrice, faa superioar este convex, faa inferioar concav.
Extremitatea proximal a fost modelat prin tiere transversal cu cuitul sau
ferstrul, iar extremitatea distal pare brut de debitaj, fiind fracturat pe dou
planuri. Marginile sunt teite, modelate prin raclaj axial i cioplire. Debitajul realizat
probabil prin percuie direct/cioplire, percuie direct/despicare, percuie direct
fracturare; fasonarea este integral, realizat prin raclaj axial i cioplire a suprafeelor
i marginilor i prin tierea transversal a extremitii proximale. La partea proximal
i partea distal a fost amenajat cte o perforaie; perforaia proximal (1) este oval
asimetric, realizat de pe faa superioar prin rotaie alternativ cu vrful cuitului;
plasat excentric spre marginea dreapt. La nivelul perforaiei respective, pe margini
au fost practicate dou crestturi largi pentru ghidarea ligaturii; crestturile au
marginile tocite. Perforaia distal (2) este subcircular, plasat excentric spre
marginea stng; realizat de pe faa superioar prin rotaie alternativ cu vrful
cuitului; crestturile de pe marginile de la nivelul ei sunt similare celor de la partea
proximal. Urme de utilizare: tocirea marginilor perforaiilor i ale crestturilor prin
contactul cu ligatura de nchiderea a pungii; nchiztoare de pung de piele.
Dimensiuni (mm): L tot 91,19; EP 21,65/4,57; PP 22,45/4,70; PP la nivelul perf 1
19,54/4,05; PM 20,78/4,58; PD la nivelul perf 2 17,42/2,69; ED 18,21/1,75; perf 1/FS diam
ext 8,28/7,70; diam int 7,05/7,22; perf 1/FI diam 7,78/7,20; dist perf 1 MD 4,78; dist
perf 1 MS 7,70; dist perf 1 EP 17,06; perf 2/FS diam ext 7,49/7,37; diam int 7,49; perf
2/FI diam 7,49; dist perf 2 MD 6,52; dist perf 2 MS 4,44; dist perf 2 ED 12,61;
crestturi: PP/MD L 7,80; ad 1,30; PP/MS L 7,83; ad 0,75; PD/MD L 6,54; ad 0,50;
PD/MS L 7,44; ad 0,65.
NOV/2014_5
Mner de cuit de corn de cerb NOV 2014 TPF S3 Complex 3 (7) -0,30 m
Nr. inv. 50495 Datare probabil: evul mediu (sec. al XIII-lea) Fig. 9-11
Stare de conservare: pies fragmentar lipsete un sector ngust al prii
distale, fracturat n vechime i un sector al extremitii proximale, fracturat recent
(exfoliere); spongiosa dislocat la extremitatea proximal, probabil la curare.
Suprafeele n stare foarte bun. La partea proximal s-au produs dou fisuri dispuse
opus simetric pe diametru, cu lungimi de 55 i 46,25 mm. Tot la partea proximal se
observ o urm de tiere produs accidental cu vrful cuitului foarte bine ascuit.

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Materie prim: segment proximal-distal de raz de corn de cerb.


Descriere: mner de cuit de corn de cerb; fasonat integral. Form general
tronconic alungit, cu diametrul mai mare la extremitatea proximal i mai mic la
extremitatea distal; seciunile sunt ovale i circulare. Striuri transversale i faete de
raclaj axial acoper ntreaga suprafa a piesei. Extremitatea proximal este rectilinie,
cu seciunea oval asimetric, bine finisat; decor gravat care const ntr-o linie
gravat cu vrfului cuitului, paralel cu extremitatea proximal, plasat la o distan
de 2,25-3 mm de aceasta. Extremitatea distal este rectilinie, are seciunea oval
asimetric, marginea faetat; tot aici se observ dou urme reziduale de gravare cu
lama cuitului, ca i o alveol triunghiular, similar celor care formeaz decorul
plasat la partea proximal, sugernd intenia nefinalizat de decorare similar a prii
distale. Debitaj prin percuie direct/cioplire i percuie direct/fracturare sau tiere
transversal cu ferstrul pentru extragerea segmentului proximal-distal al razei.
Fasonarea integral prin racla axial intens cu lama cuitului; urme specifice pstrate pe
ntreaga suprafa. Decor gravat i crestat care formeaz o band plasat la 2,50 3,35
mm fa de extremitatea distal; banda este lat de cca 2,80 mm; realizat din dou
linii paralele gravate, avnd n interior un motiv n relief n forma dinilor de lup,
frecvent ntlnit pe piesele de os i corn medievale timpurii, inclusiv descoperite la
NOV; motiv n zig-zag obinut prin excavarea (crestarea) a dou iruri de mici
suprafee triunghiulare echilaterale cu latura de cca 2 mm, avnd vrfurile opuse i
decalate la distane egale pe cele dou iruri. Se remarc execuia foarte precis a
decorului. La extremitatea distal s-a amenajat o perforaie axial de form oval
asimetric n plan i tronconic asimetric n profil, prin excavarea esutului compact
i spongios cu ajutorul vrfului de cuit sau al unui perforator metalic cu diametru
redus; apoi prin rotaie alternativ. n interiorul perforaiei nu se observ urme de
oxid de fier, ceea ce ar putea indica absena etapei de utilizare a mnerului pentru
inseria lamei cuitului sau utilizarea i apoi extragerea lam de cuit din mner. Urme
de utilizare: tocirea i lustruirea slabe ale marginilor i suprafeelor, acestea au fost
(posibil) produse prin manevrare n timpul prelucrrii. Alveola triunghiular de la
partea distal, similar celor care formeaz decorul plasat la partea proximal,
sugereaz intenia nefinalizat de decorare similar a prii distale. Posibil pies
abandonat nainte de a fi terminat, poate din cauza fisurrii axiale a prii
distale/meziale.
Dimensiuni (mm): L tot 111,27; EP 23,47/22,66; PP 22,76/21,88; PM 21,80/20,62;
PD 21,17/18,63; ED 19,34/17,66; perf diam 15,02/7,78; ad perf cca 16; decor EP: l
band 2,25-3; l an gravat 0,3; ad an gravat 0,3; decor ED: l band 2,80; ad band
0,3-0,5; triunghiuri latura L 2.

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Corneliu BELDIMAN, Aurel-Daniel STNIC, Diana-Maria SZTANCS

Fig. 4. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_2. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous material artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_2.

NOV/2014_6
Plcu decorativ gravat de os NOV 2014 TPF S1 Carourile 10-11 Complex 11
Nr. inv. 50506 Datare probabil: evul mediu (sec. al XIII-lea) Fig. 12-13
Stare de conservare: pies fragmentar fracturat n vechime la extremitatea
distal dup gravare; extremitatea proximal a fost modelat prin tiere transversal,
dup gravare; starea de conservare a suprafeelor este foarte bun.
Materie prim: fragment probabil de os plat (corp costal) (compacta) provenind
de la un erbivor de talie mare nedeterminabil vit? (Bos taurus).

Isaccea Noviodunum. Artefacte din materii dure animale descoperite n 2014

121

Descriere: plcu decorativ gravat de os; fasonare integral; pe faa


inferioar se pstreaz parial esutul spongios. Extremitile au fost definite n mod
convenional: extremitatea proximal mai lat; extremitatea distal mai ngust.
Seciunile sunt convex-concave simetrice, faa superioar este convex, faa inferioar
concav. Form general rectangular, cu marginile sinuoase i extremitile avnd
contur neregulat de fracturare. Debitajul realizat probabil prin percuie
direct/cioplire, percuie direct/despicare, percuie direct fracturare; fasonarea este
integral, realizat prin raclaj axial; finisare prin lustruire (polizare) cu o bucat de
piele sau de material textil pentru obinerea unei suprafee perfect netede n vederea
realizrii decorului gravat. Dup gravare extremitile au fost fracturate, la
extremitatea proximal s-a aplicat anterior tierea transversal cu ajutorul cuitului;
scopul a fost probabil acela de a obine o lungime potrivit aplicrii/ncastrrii piesei
pe un obiect de lemn, metal etc. ca element decorativ (aplic). Pe faa superioar s-a
realizat decorul geometric complex gravat cu vrful cuitului, care acoper ntreaga
fa respectiv; este compus din mai multe elemente compozite: A trei benzi formate
din cte patru linii paralele cu traseu sinuos, cu ondulaii quasisimetrice, crend
impresia de benzi suprapuse mpletite. Benzile au fost numerotate (1-4) de la stnga la
dreapta. Banda 1 formeaz o bucl semicircular la partea distal a piesei. Se observ
imperfeciuni de amplasarea a liniilor care compun benzile, n sensul c liniile unei
benzi nu continu pe aceeai direcie atunci cnd se intersecteaz cu alt band; B la
partea distal s-a gravat o band transversal (1) compus, cu lime inegal, avnd
margini dispuse la distane variabile (convergente), dei intenia iniial era probabil
de a fi paralele; n interior s-au gravat o alt band (2), format din dou linii
transversale relativ paralele i dou iruri de triunghiuri crestate formnd motivul n
dini de lup sau zigzag n relief, similar celui de pe mnerul de corn de cerb
NOV/2014_5; C deasupra motivului decorativ B a fost gravat un triunghi dublu
haurat oblic, una din laturile lui fiind format de linia gravat distal a benzii
exterioare (1) a motivului decorativ B; triunghiul haurat se pstreaz parial i este
plasat spre marginea stng; decorul se compunea, probabil, iniial din patru
triunghiuri care rezervau n centru un romb. Se remarc precizia realizrii motivului
gravat, ceea ce sugereaz ca autor un meter specializat care lucreaz ntr-un atelier.
Urme de utilizare: tocire, lustruire superficiale; plcu decorativ aplicat (ncastrat)
pe obiecte de lemn sau metalice (aplic).
Dimensiuni (mm): L tot 67,20; EP 17,06/1,53; PM 16,83/1,72; ED 15,65/1,52;
motivul decorativ A: l linii gravate 0,3; ad 0,3; l benzi 3,15-3,90; dist dintre linii
0,85-1,50; motivul decorativ B: banda 1 (exterioar): 3,38-4,86; l banda 2 (interioar)
1,22-1,56; dist dintre linii 0,70-0,96; l linii gravate 0,3; ad 0,3; triunghiuri L laturi 0,5;
motivul decorativ C: L latura pstrat 5,83; L cca 14; L romb central cca 25.

122

Corneliu BELDIMAN, Aurel-Daniel STNIC, Diana-Maria SZTANCS

Fig. 5. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_3. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous material artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_3.

Fig. 6. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_3. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous materials artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_3.

Isaccea Noviodunum. Artefacte din materii dure animale descoperite n 2014

123

Fig. 7. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_4. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous materials artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_4.

Fig. 8. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_4. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous materials artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_4.

124

Corneliu BELDIMAN, Aurel-Daniel STNIC, Diana-Maria SZTANCS

Fig. 9. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_5. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous materials artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_5.

Fig. 10. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_5. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous materials artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_5.

Isaccea Noviodunum. Artefacte din materii dure animale descoperite n 2014

125

Fig. 11. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_5. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous materials artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_5.

Fig. 12. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_6. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous materials artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_6.

126

Corneliu BELDIMAN, Aurel-Daniel STNIC, Diana-Maria SZTANCS

Fig. 13. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_6. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous materials artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_6.

NOV/2014_7
Cataram de corn de cerb NOV 2014 TPF S3 Complex 3 (11)
Nr. inv. 50494 Datare probabil: epoca roman (sec. II-III p.Chr.) Fig. 14-16
Stare de conservare: pies fragmentar lipsete partea distal (bucla),
fracturat recent; starea de conservare a suprafeelor este foarte bun.
Materie prim: corn de cerb, fragment (compacta) de ax de mari dimensiuni.
Descriere: cataram de corn de cerb (pies de centur) masiv, modelat
grosier, nefinisat. Form general trapezoidal, cu marginile concave, extremitatea

Isaccea Noviodunum. Artefacte din materii dure animale descoperite n 2014

127

proximal convex asimetric i bucl probabil de form semicircular sau


rectangular. Debitajul realizat probabil prin percuie direct/cioplire, percuie
direct/despicare, percuie direct fracturare; urmele operaiilor au fost eliminate
prin fasonare. Fasonare prin cioplire i raclaj pentru nlturarea parial reliefului
anatomic pe faa superioar; faetarea marginilor i a unor sectoare ale feei
superioare; nlturarea parial a esutului spongios pe faa inferioar prin aceleai
operaii. Dispozitivele de fixare pe cureaua de piele: A la partea proximal s-a
practicat o perforaie (fant) de form rectangular, dispus transversal excentric
spre marginea stng, cu extremitile concave semicirculare asimetrice i cu
margini de contur sinuos, faetate. Perforaia s-a realizat prin procedeul
multiperforrii cu sfredelul de pe faa inferioar prin rotaie continu i al excavrii;
la extremiti s-au practicat dou perforaii, iar n spaiul dintre ele alte dou
perforaii, la distane egale; toate perforaiile au form cilindric i prezint striuri
elicoidale specifice; marginile fantei au fost regularizate prin cioplire i raclaj; fanta
are margini oblice, mai dezvoltate pe faa inferioar; perforaia A avea rolul de a
permite fixarea captului curelei (cu limea de cca 23 mm), care se petrecea prin
fant, se ndoia i se nituia sau se cosea; B fant similar perforaiei/fantei A, din
punct de vedere morfologic i tehnic (de realizare) dispus axial pe centrul prii
distale; avea rolul de a permite montarea axial a limbii metalice a cataramei; C
perforaie transversal realizat pe centrul grosimii piesei, pe faa superioar, la
partea distal, cu rolul de inserie a tijei (tiftului) de fixare a limbii cataramei
(probabil metalice); a fost realizat cu sfredelul n sensul MD MS; seciune
circular, form oval asimetric n plan; tija se introducea dinspre marginea
dreapt; D bucl probabil semicircular sau rectangular cu colurile rotunjite
(fracturat recent), realizat prin cioplire (ajurare); margini faetate; s-a excavat de
pe faa inferioar, unde este ampl, apoi pe faa superioar. Urme de utilizare:
tocirea, lustruirea superficial a feei superioare i a marginii stngi; probabil a fost
fixat pe curea spre stnga, cu marginea stng n sus; probabil lrgirea perforaiei
transversale (C) prin micarea tijei metalice de fixare a limbii.
Dimensiuni (mm): L tot 140/110,57; EP 32,02/6,12; PP la nivelul perf 33,61/9,75;
PM 31,86/11,74; PD (baza buclei, la nivelul fracturii) 41,64/11,84; perf A: FS: L ext 25,14;
L int 21,40; l max ext 5,95; l max int 5,30; diam perf cca 4,60; FI: L ext 22,70; L int
21,00; l max ext 5,50; l max int ; dist perf MD 6,48; dist perf MS 4,38; dist perf
EP 18,50; perf B: diam 5,70; extremitatea spre MD 7,90/4,98; extremitatea spre MS
7,83/4,10; perf C: L 14,27; l 5,45; diam perf cca 5; L tift cca 25-30; bucla (D): gros 7,728,49; l 6,35-8,53; L cca 30; L limb ca 45.

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Corneliu BELDIMAN, Aurel-Daniel STNIC, Diana-Maria SZTANCS

Fig. 14. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_7. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous materials artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_7.

Fig. 15. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_7. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous materials artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_7.

NOV/2014_8
Corn de cerb Materie prim NOV 2014 TPF S1 Carourile 10-11 Complex 12 Fr
nr. inv. (provizoriu) Datare probabil: evul mediu (sec. al XIII-lea) Fig. 17-18

Isaccea Noviodunum. Artefacte din materii dure animale descoperite n 2014

129

Stare de conservare: pies fragmentar lipsete extremitatea distal a razei 1,


detaat/fracturat n vechime; lipsete un sector al razei 1 la partea proximal,
fracturat recent; lipsete un sector al rozetei (cca 2/3), fracturat recent (la descoperire);
starea de conservare a suprafeelor este mediocr (coroziune); urme de coroziune
slab uniform distribuite pe suprafeele piesei.

Fig. 16. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_7. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous materials artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_7.

Materie prim: corn de cerb, ax drept, exemplar adult de talie mare; ax lepdat;
fragment bazal de ax cu medalion, rozet, raza 1 i baza razei 2.
Descriere: materie prim constituit de baza axului i raza 1, detaat prin
percuie direct/cioplire; extremitatea distal a razei 1 detaat prin acelai procedeu
tehnic, aplicat pe faa anterioar; urme de impact se conserv i pe faa posterioar i
pe cea lateral; detaare prin fracturare; Urme de percuie direct/cioplire, percuie
direct/fracturare la nivelul rozetei, detandu-se cca 2/3 ale circumferinei; percuie
direct/cioplire la nivelul bazei razei 2 pentru detaare prin fracturare; pe ax se
observ urme de cioplire pe faa median i pe faa posterioar, oblice, ample,

130

Corneliu BELDIMAN, Aurel-Daniel STNIC, Diana-Maria SZTANCS

produse cu lama toporului n sensul ED EP; planurile multiple de fractur indic


aplicarea operaiilor de detaare pe axul hidratat (relativ proaspt) sau nmuiat special
pentru procesare. Materie prim pentru confecionarea unui mner, a plcuelor etc.
Dimensiuni (mm): L tot 330; baza ax diam 88,20; R1: baza 53,86/34,10; PM
38,12/32,06; PD 19,33/16,43.

Fig. 17. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_8. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous materials artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_8.

NOV/2014_9
Corn de cerb Deeu NOV 2014 TPF Passim Fr nr. inv. (provizoriu)
Datare probabil: evul mediu (sec. al XIII-lea) Fig. 19-20
Stare de conservare: pies ntreag; starea de conservare a suprafeelor este
foarte bun.
Materie prim: corn de cerb, raz, segment distal.

Isaccea Noviodunum. Artefacte din materii dure animale descoperite n 2014

131

Descriere: deeu de prelucrare constituit de segmentul distal al unei raze de corn de


cerb, detaat prin percuie direct/cioplire aplicat pe faa lateral/faa median pe cca 1/3
din diametru i percuie direct/fracturare; o urm rezidual de impact, transversal,
produs n vechime se conserv pe partea mezial faa lateral/faa median; o alt urm
de impact, oblic, produs recent, pe faa anterioar.
Dimensiuni (mm): L tot 120,24; EP 20,14/15,83; PM 16,61/15,38; ED 5,24/5,13;
suprafaa cioplit 18/15,25.

Fig. 18. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_8. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous materials artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_8.

LISTA ABREVIERILOR
Ad. Adncimea; C Caroul; CD Calibrul distal; Diam diametrul; Dist
Distana; ED Extremitatea distal; EP Extremitatea proximal; Ext Exterior; FI
Faa inferioar; FS Faa superioar; Gros Grosimea; IMDA Industria materiilor
dure animale; Int Interior; Inv. Inventar; L Lungimea; L tot Lungimea total;
L Limea; Max Maxim; MD Marginea stng; MD Marginea dreapt; N
Numr; N tot Numr total; NOV Noviodunum; PD Partea distal; Perf

132

Corneliu BELDIMAN, Aurel-Daniel STNIC, Diana-Maria SZTANCS

Perforaie; PM Partea mezial; PP Partea proximal; R Raz (de corn de cerb); S


Seciunea; TFP Teren Poliia de Frontier; UCDC Universitatea Cretin Dimitrie
Cantemir Bucureti

Fig. 19. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_9. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous materials artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_9.

Fig. 20. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca roman
evul mediu). NOV/2014_9. / Isaccea-Noviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress).
2014 excavation campaign. Osseous materials artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages).
NOV/2014_9.

Isaccea Noviodunum. Artefacte din materii dure animale descoperite n 2014

133

Tabel nr. 1. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca
roman evul mediu). Repertoriu tipologie, datare, context. / Table 1 IsacceaNoviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress). 2014 excavation campaign. Osseous
materials artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages). Repertory typology, datation, context.

Indicativ/Tip

Epoc/Datare/Cultur

Context

NOV 2014_1
Ac de cusut de os
NOV 2014_2
Ac de cusut de os Ebo
NOV 2014_3
Vrf de sgeat de os
Ebo
NOV 2014_4
Plcu perforat de corn
de cerb
NOV 2014_5
Mner de cuit de corn de
cerb
NOV 2014_6
Plcu decorativ gravat
de os
NOV 2014_7
Cataram de corn de cerb
NOV 2014_8
Corn de cerb Materie
prim
NOV 2014_9
Corn de cerb Deeu

Epoca roman (sec. II-III


P.CHR.)
Epoca roman (sec. II-III
P.CHR.)
Evul mediu (sec. al XIII-lea)

NOV 2014 TPF S6 Caroul 10


Complex 3 -1,00 m
NOV 2014 TPF S13 Caroul 11
Complex 15
NOV 2014 TPF S2-3 Complex
3B Sud cript

Epoca roman (sec. II-III


P.CHR.)

NOV 2014 TPF S6 Caroul 7


Complex 1

Evul mediu (sec. al XIII-lea)

NOV 2014 TPF S3 Complex 3


(7) -0,30 m

Evul mediu (sec. al XIII-lea)

NOV 2014 TPF S1 Carourile


10-11 Complex 11

Epoca roman (sec. II-III


P.CHR.)
Evul mediu (sec. al XIII-lea)

NOV 2014 TPF S3 Complex 3


(11)
NOV 2014 TPF S1 Carourile
10-11 Complex 12

Evul mediu (sec. al XIII-lea)

NOV 2014 TPF Passim

134

Corneliu BELDIMAN, Aurel-Daniel STNIC, Diana-Maria SZTANCS

Tabel nr. 2. Isaccea-Noviodunum, jud. Tulcea. Punct: Cetate. Campania 2014. IMDA (epoca
roman evul mediu). Repartiia artefactelor pe seciuni i complexe. / Table 2 IsacceaNoviodunum, Tulcea County. Site: Cetate (Fortress). 2014 excavation campaign. Osseous
materials artefacts (Roman period Middle Ages). Distribution of artefacts in excavated sections
and arcghaeological complexes.

Seciune
S1

Complex
C11

Datare
Sec. XIII

C12

S2

3B

Sec. XIII

S3

C3

Sec. XIII

C3

Sec. II-III

C3

Sec. II-III

C1

Sec. XIII

S13

15

Sec. II-III

Passim

Sec. XIII

S6

Artefact
NOV 2014_6
Plcu
decorativ
gravat de os
NOV 2014_8
Corn de cerb
Materie prim
NOV 2014_3
Vrf de sgeat de os
Ebo
NOV 2014_5
Mner de cuit de
corn de cerb
NOV 2014_7
Cataram de corn de
cerb
NOV 2014_1
Ac de cusut de os
NOV 2014_4
Plcu perforat de
corn de cerb
NOV 2014_2
Ac de cusut de os
Ebo
NOV 2014_9
Corn de cerb Deeu

Isaccea Noviodunum. Artefacte din materii dure animale descoperite n 2014

135

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