Ornamented bronze phalerae with a thorn: ornament as an emblem

The presented research deals with ornamented bronze phalerae a thorn from several cultural groups the territory of Northern Adriatic and its hinterland. It was motivated by treating such phalera discovered in Osor on island Cres Kvarner. Considered critically evaluated broader context, were formally analysed due to their stylistic features divided four basic types further variants. Type I being characteristic for area Caput Adriae Alps hinterland (Figs. 2-5, 13), type II Italic Piceni 5-8), III westernBalkan Dinaric (Fig. 5,10) IV ancient Macedonia 10-11). mutual relationship individual has been backbone history 12). However, concentration inspecific areas demonstrated, despite similarities, degree individuality aestheticism localspecific fabrication, wearing depositing habits which separate them as an jewelry ideologically semantically present attire wider area. Contrary previous this publication majority discoveredphalerae collected analyzed. Consequently we able observe much 10 examples Adriae. Due quantity, they can be considered one characteristics Škocjan. area, should directly related to. Their spatialdistribution demonstrates specific interrelationship those reflected communication ambiguity, non-verbal particular. From demonstrated also notice disproportionality use part cultures. Apart highly valuable deceased women Vergina luxurious Picenianwomen, will designate privileged status local aristocracies. And exceptionally intensified equivalents seen attires southern Lucani Enotri 9). same perspective evaluate rich, large hoards mixed composition western Balkan Krehin Gradac Veliki Mošunj(Fig. 5, 13-20) where reflection female principles is more than evident. Observed through perspective, northern Adriatic’s alpine hinterlands seems rather modest could partially attributed relatively small number precise details about context discoveries. While at time, majorityof cases it bears testimony favor semantic semiotic value, sense essence artifact itself. Of artifact, attire, most probably worn accessory clothing eminent individuals. Phalerae were, besides some other elements attire/jewelry initiators tighter synchronized andchronological evaluation Eastern coast, Western Balkans Macedonian-Aegean period second half 10th beginning 8th century BC marking new Iron Age environment. In dating variant alsocontributed issue, accept fact that fragment metal sheet grave 156 Brežec necropolis near Škocjan 13) phalerae. presence fibulae spirals joint rolled up tape so called Este 14) dated phase II, noticeassume these already 9th BC, according revised periodization.Formal comparative analysis cultures different aesthetics explained neither selection object itself, size, form decoration, nor discoveries wealthy