Collections of dwelling-site ceramics from the Iron Age to Early Modern Times

The LNMH collections of archaeological ceramics contain over a million pottery sherds made from the early Iron Age (500 BC) to the early modern period (17th century) and about half a million fragments of stove tiles produced since the late medieval period. Pottery finds are one of the most numerous types of artefacts left by ancient people. They provide insights into the aesthetic sense of their makers and users, ancient craft skills and contacts with cultures far and near.

The ceramics collections cover the entire territory of Latvia and are stored according to the origin of sherds in specific settlements, hillforts, castles and towns.

Most of the archaeological material has survived only partially, but it has been possible to restore some of the vessels to their original appearance. The pottery collection from Lake Āraiši settlement is particularly remarkable in this respect – thanks to the specific conditions of the site, as well as the work of archaeologists and restorers, 82 complete vessels have survived to the present day.

The largest collection of stove ceramics from a single location is the 24,000 fragments of Cēsis Castle stove tiles. These tiles represent several artistic styles, from the late Gothic of the 15th century to the Baroque of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Head curator of the collection Alise Gunnarssone

In order to research the museum’s collection in person, please fill out the form and send to: muzejs@lnvm.lv

Research museum collection

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