Original scientific paper
Magdalena Dragičević
Abstract
The Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monument sin Split keeps a silber, gold-plated richly ornamented diadem from Biskupija near Kinin. Its ornaments are characteristic for early Middle Ages when symbolics in general were a means of spiritual expression and communication with the illiterate populace. Bearing these facts in mind, we think that not only do the symbols appearing on the diadem refer to thematerial which it is made of, but to its artistic contents as well. The character of silver and gilding indicate a divine wisdom and charity for people since the eternity of gold symbolizes the Christian initiation and the presence of God. The motives on the diadem too, prove its sacral meaning. With their common symbolical meaning we might suppose it could have belonged to a Croatian dignitary of the highest class. We must not neglect the fact that it once could have been a fragment of the corona latina. Owing to its artistic elements that are also found on the gold earrings from Golubić near Knin (7th century) and the fold-plated thurible from Stara Vrlika (8th CENTURY), this diadem could be dated to the oldes period of the Croatian State.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
229200
URI
Publication date:
1.4.1993.
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