Latgale Iron Age to early modern collection
The collection of Latgale Iron Age, medieval and early modern periods includes finds from archaeological excavations and stray finds found in the former Abrene, Ludza, Daugavpils and Rēzekne districts. Its chronological framework ranges from the last centuries BC to the 18th century. The collection consists of artefacts from Latgalian, some Krivichian, as well as Baltic Finnic tarand graves and late Scratched Pottery culture sites.
Most outstanding early Iron Age collections come from Vilmaņi settlement (late Scratched Pottery culture) and the Makašāni Salenieki barrow and tarand burials. The collection of the middle Iron Age Latgalian archaeological site of Nautrēni Laizāni Smiltane is relatively small but significant for the research of Latgalian history.
The late Iron Age is represented by the collections of the extensively studied Latgalian flat graves burial sites of Odukalns, Ņukši, Ķivti, Kristapiņi, and Maskava. Fewer artefacts have been collected from Latgalian late Iron Age barrow burials. Important are the collections of hillforts – the centres of ancient state-like formations and lands – Jersika, Asote and Madalāni; without them, it is impossible to comprehensively study the material culture of late Iron Age Latgalians. The collection of the Asote hillfort is particularly rich, whereas the burial site of the hillfort’s inhabitants, the Oglenieki ancient burial ground, is less researched and is represented only by a few dozen burial artefacts.
The collection includes artefacts from the Dinaburga, Ludza and Rēzekne stone castles studied in the Latgale region. The most important collections of medieval cemeteries are those of Slutišķi and Augustinišķi.
The collection includes hoards of silver jewellery from Sauleskalns and Baltinava.
Head curator of the collection Ilze Mālkalniete
In order to research the museum’s collection in person, those interested are invited to fill out the contact form, indicating the topic of interest and the chronology. After receiving the form, a museum specialist will contact you.