13th - 17th century rings at the Museum of Slavonia

The collection of rings from the Archaeology Department (Sub-department for the Middle Ages and Migration Age) at the Museum of Slavonia was not formed as a result of archaeological excavations but mostly through purchase or donation. Most of them come from Osijek or the area of East Slavonia and Baranja, whereas some are determined to be made in Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and possibly South Hungary. The rings are quite well preserved. They are typologically different. The ring bezels are decorated with heraldic motifs and inscriptions, in other words signs characteristic for the iconography in the Late Middle Ages (lily, dragon, cross). Only in the case of one ring it was possible to assume an owner. Specific rings represent exceptionally beautiful examples of the goldsmith\u27s trade, whereas the bronze pieces imitate golden rings. Most rings were used as stamps while others were used as decoration. Special value is attributed to several rings which referred to the exact location of medieval castles known to us from historical documents but which have not so far been registered (Subotieki Lug, Popovac). It is necessary for those sites to be registered and archeologically investigated, but most of all, more efficiently protected