Preliminary communication

Not just a decoration but also a symbol. Reflections on the findings of ceramic weights in Tilurium

Zrinka Šimić-Kanaet orcid.org/0000-0001-6190-8344 ; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Filozofski fakultet, Odsjek za arheologiju, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Vinka Matijević ; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Filozofski fakultet, Odsjek za arheologiju, Zagreb, Hrvatska

Abstract

During the research on a large number of archaeological sites from different periods, from the Late Neolithic, through the Late Bronze Age, to the Hallstatt, La Tène and Early Roman times, ceramic weights were singled out in different contexts. Such objects are usually found in groups, arranged in a line, thus representing the only remnant that can be directly related to their basic function - weaving and workshops, and in other words, to the residential buildings in which the fabric was made. The vertical loom is well known in research and ethnographic studies. However, the function of different shapes, sizes and weight of antique weights has not been sufficiently researched and cannot always be derived directly from the archaeological and ethnographic data.
The paper singles out the first-time published ceramic weights documented during the systematic archaeological excavations of the Roman legionary camp Tilurium, located in the area of the village Gardun near Trilj. The research, which has been going on since 1997, has recorded 12 pyramid-shaped weights of different sizes, weights, textures, colours and decorative motifs. Most of them (nine specimens) were found in different layers in the trench D, which explores the military dormitories from the 1st century. Two more weights were recorded in trench Z and one in trench A. The findings of the weights indicate the production of fabric for the needs of camp. However, the secondary function of weights cannot be ruled out, particularly on the example of a weight with a relief motif. The selected weight shows a display of three “lightnings” gathered in a beam. This motif is most often associated with Jupiter and his symbolism as the supreme god - the Thunderer. The presence and the worship of Jupiter’s cult in Tilurium is expected due to the presence of the army in the area, and it has previously been confirmed by the findings of altars dedicated to this deity, but only further archaeological research will confirm or refute this symbolism.

Keywords

ceramic weight; Tilurium; army; symbol; Jupiter; lightning

Hrčak ID:

266601

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/266601

Publication date:

2.12.2021.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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