KORA AVAR KORI TEMETŐRÉSZLET SZIHALOM-BUDASZÖGRŐL
AN EARLY AVAR PERIOD CEMETERY AT SZIHALOM-BUDASZÖG

Summary/Abstract: The west to east oriented graves of an Early Avar period cemetery came to light at Szihalom Budaszög in 1996. Two clay mugs turned on a fast wheel bespeak local Gepidic ceramic traditions. A wooden amulet capsule can likewise be linked to Pannonian and Transylvanian communities with a Merovingian culture. The gold and gilt bronze mounts of the capsule suggest the burial of an individual from the community’s elite. The gold mounts of the capsule are decorated with four masks arranged in a cross-like design. The stylistic and iconographic parallels to the masks point towards Italy and the regions north of the Alps. The capsule provides evidence for syncretic beliefs: the amulet was probably believed to have both pagan magical and Christian protective properties. The small cemetery was used by a local Gepidic community with good contacts with Western Europe living under the overlordship of the Avar Khaganate.

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