Vidzeme Iron Age to early modern collection
The collection of Vidzeme Iron Age, medieval and early modern periods includes finds from the archaeological excavations and stray finds found in the former districts of Cēsis, Madona, Valka and Valmiera. The chronological framework of the collection’s artefacts ranges from the last centuries BC to the 19th century. The collection consists of artefacts from Latgalian, some Liv and Vendian, as well as Baltic (Northern Lithuanian–Southern Latvian) tumulus graves with a stone ring and Baltic Finnic tarand graves.
Most outstanding early Iron Age collections come from Jaunburtnieki Saulieši, Baizkalns Upmaļi and Mūri, as well as Taurene Gailīši tarand grave sites.
Important for understanding the ethnic history of Latgalians and Selonians are the collections of early Iron Age and the first half of the middle Iron Age tumulus graves with a stone ring of Kārļi Simtēni, Sāviena Forest and Vecpiebalga Ezēni. The Vidzeme Latgalian culture is reflected in the collections of the extensively studied middle Iron Age and late Iron Age burial sites of Priekuļi Kampi-Ģūgeri, Drabeši Liepiņi and Ērgļi Jaunāķēni. Although small, the collection of Vecpiebalga Kalna Brici and Ezerbrici burial sites is important for understanding Latgalian ethnic history. The small collection of Kārļi Ainavas burial site is special for its good samples of archaeological textiles. The most outstanding settlement collection from this period comes from Lake Āraiši settlement; with its many well-preserved wooden objects, it most fully illustrates the life of the ancient Latgalians in the early stages of the late Iron Age.
Extensive collections of artefacts come from the researched medieval stone castles of Cēsis, Valmiera (partially in LNMH), Āraiši, Alūksne. The Cēsis Castle collection stands out among others: with about 10,000 artefacts it is the largest and most important collection of its kind in the Baltics. The armour collection obtained during the excavation is one of the most outstanding archaeological armour collections in Europe. The Veselava medieval cemetery collection comes from the most extensively studied medieval rural cemetery in Latvia.
The collection contains several hoards of silver items, among which the hoard of six silver neck rings from Vestiena Lejaslepji stands out.
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.