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"Great is the power of memory that dwells in places." (from Cicero)

Zusatzinformation
ca. 2.200-950 B.C.
Sortierung
60

Bronze dagger

This weapon, used for defence but also as a hunting tool, demonstrates fine craftsmanship and ornamentation. It dates back to the Middle Bronze Age. It is extraordinary that it was found intact on the heavily travelled prehistoric mountain trail, the 'Troi Paian' on the Baléstberg near St. Jakob. Judging from the blade's characteristics, this artifact could be a votive offering from a person of high rank.

Two flint arrowheads

Arrowheads bear witness to hunting in the high mountains, which was still practiced in the Middle Bronze Age. These two arrowheads from Lech Sant, an Alpine Lake, on the Aschgleralm (Ladin Mastlé), together with other finds, indicate the significance of the location as a cult place where sacrificial burnt offerings were made. The colloquial name 'Heiliger See' (Holy Lake) and the legend of the submerged chapel in the lake keep the memory of pre-Christian mountain cults alive to this day. 

Decorated ceramic fragments from Laugen vessels

Fragments of several 'classic' Laugen jugs (named after the discovery site near Bressanone) were found on the Postal crest at 2400-2500 metres above sea level. They are assumed to be libation vessels that were deliberately smashed during cult acts. The weather-beaten shards of clay from the late Bronze Age are part of a series of discoveries from the Sciliar plateau, which is assumed to have been a fire sacrifice site (1200-1000 B.C.).

Ceramic fragments from several vessels

In prehistoric dwellings, large ceramic containers were used to keep foodstuffs in. These coarse clay shards have decorative trims going around them, partly smooth, partly with indentations. The finds come from Rabanserhof in San Pietro at Laion, the original parish of Val Gardena. They were unearthed during excavation of a house from the mid Bronze Age (1500 - 1350 B.C.). 

Fragments of Alpine ceramic from the Laugen culture

The fragments of several 'classic' late Bronze Age jugs from the Laugen culture were found northwest of Resciesa upper cable car terminal. The jugs are characterised by two wartlike bumps on the side of the lip and have a thick handle with a ribbon-shaped profile. Research still has to clarify whether the finds are connected with a high place of worship or a burnt-down mountain shepherd's hut from the Bronze Age. 

Ornamental pin with spherical head

This fragmented bronze pin was found in Novale di Laion. It was primarily used to fasten women's clothing and is a precursor to the brooch. Clothing pins could also be worn as ornaments to indicate the social status of their wearer within the community. They were subject to fashion and their different shapes and decorations allow them to be ordered chronologically. This pin dates back to the late Bronze Age (1100-1000 B.C.).