Avar-Period Finds in the Vicinity of Nova Gradiška

Abstract

This paper presents four new finds from the collection of the Municipal Museum Nova Gradiška, discovered near Nova Gradiška (Croatia). A typochronological analysis of two belt strap ends, one main belt fitting, and one side strap fitting indicates Avar-period production from the late 8th century. One of the strap ends belongs to the broader group of Hohenberg-type finds, while one of the main belt fittings is decorated with grape motifs. The other strap end is decorated with a Tree of Life motif, while the side strap fitting is undecorated. Analogies for these items come from the peripheral areas of Avaria, supporting the theories of certain researchers regarding “peripheral elites”. The finds also demonstrate a high level of production and/or trade in this area. These items are particularly interesting due to their rarity within Avar-period production, coming from an area previously considered devoid of finds from this period. Although these finds are accidental and surface finds, their occurrence and significance indicate a further need for research in this area, in order to understand the character of the site and to place the finds within stratigraphic contexts.