Between Amber and Iron: the Story of Ancient Kalisz
An exhibition of archaeological finds from the Kalisz region—from Neolithic beads to medieval ornaments—revealing everyday life through metal, clay, and spiritual symbols.
Denarius of Bolesław I the Brave (Denar Bolesława I Chrobrego) this silver coin, minted after 992, represents early Polish coinage. The obverse shows an arrow from six twigs, with the inscription "BOLIZLAVO DUX," while the reverse features a Greek cross. Found in Kalisz-Rajsków in 1992. Coins of Palatine Sieciech (Part of the Sluszkow Hoard) minted by Sieciech, the 11th-century palatine, these rare denarii feature a “Palatine sign” and inscriptions. Over 100 such coins were found in Słuszków.
The Sluszkow I Hoard (1105) by unknownDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
The Sluszkow I Hoard (Skarb Słuszków I)
A hoard of around 20,000 artifacts, including cross-denarii and foreign coins. The treasure provides insights into Polish and European monetary systems from the 11th to the early 12th century, including unique Sieciech coins.
Anthropomorphic Collar
This unique bronze collar features 13 spherical beads and 7 human-like pendants, interpreted as female figures. It dates back to the Lusatian culture, where anthropomorphic depictions are rare.
Lens-shaped Brooch (Part of the Boleslawiec Hoard) (1000/ 900–750 BCE) by unknown/ Lusatian CultureDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
Lens-shaped Brooch (Part of the Boleslawiec Hoard)
A beautifully crafted brooch from the Bronze Age, decorated with pearl-like beads and a Maltese cross design. The bow is divided into three sections with ornamental bands of beads, lines, and arches.
Cuff Bracelet (Part of the Boleslawiec Hoard)
Open bracelet of a wide, flat band with diagonal notches and eight longitudinal ribs. Common in the early Bronze Age and typical of the Únětice culture. In the Lusatian culture, such objects appeared secondarily, sometimes as part of later Bronze Age deposits.
The Boleslawiec Hoard (1000/ 900–750 BCE) by unknown/ Lusatian CultureDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
The Boleslawiec Hoard (Skarb z Bolesławca)
Discovered near Bolesławiec, this hoard includes 61 bronze items, such as brooches and bracelets, revealing the material culture of the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.
Roman Sword with Blacksmith's Maker's Mark (before the second half of the 1st century BCE / (60 BCE – early 1st century CE) Late Younger Pre-Roman period) by likely roman blacksmithDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
Roman Sword with Blacksmith's Maker's Mark
A Roman-import sword bearing a blacksmith's maker's mark, discovered in a cremation grave. This artifact, dating to 60 BCE–1st century CE, showcases Roman weapon craftsmanship in Polish territory.
Grave Equipment of the So-called Blacksmith (unknown / Late Younger Pre-Roman period) by unknown / Przeworsk CultureDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
Grave Equipment of the So-called Blacksmith
Found in a pit grave, this set of blacksmithing tools, including hammers and tongs, indicates the profession of the deceased. These items reflect the Przeworsk culture’s burial practices and craftsmanship.
Tombstone of Mieszko III the Old (1202) by unknownDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
Tombstone of Mieszko III the Old
A stone tombstone from the early 13th century, depicting a processional cross. This artifact was likely associated with the collegiate church of St. Paul in Kalisz.
Application with an Eagle (Aplikacja z orłem) is a round tin pendant featuring an eagle, made in the late Middle Ages. This ornament was found in Kalisz and reflects the symbolism of power and nobility during the period. Belt Application with Griffin (Aplikacja z gryfem) is a tin belt ornament depicting a griffin, symbolizing nobility. This item, from the late Middle Ages, was found during archaeological excavations in Kalisz.
Application with Christ is a silver application depicting Christ, in a Byzantine style. Found in Kalisz, this late Medieval piece reflects the influence of Eastern Christian iconography. Middle Age Ring is a silver-plated brass ring from the late Middle Ages, featuring a Gothic cross design. It was discovered in Kalisz and offers a glimpse into medieval jewelry and symbolism.
Diadem (1800 – 1500 BCE) by unknown/ Pre-Lusatian CultureDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
Diadem
A bronze diadem from the pre-Lusatian culture, dating to the II phase of the Bronze Age. The design features rows of dots and curled ends, providing insight into early European ornamental traditions.
Pin with a Plug-like Head
This bronze pin from the Bronze Age features a shield-shaped head with a star design. It was used for fastening clothing and represents early textile adornment practices in the pre-Lusatian culture.
Zoomorphic Figurine – Rattle (unknown / Lusatian Culture) by unknown/ Lusatian CultureDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
Zoomorphic Figurine – Rattle
A hybrid bird-turtle figurine made of clay, serving as a rattle. Found in Brzezie, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the symbolic animal depictions of early cultures.
Asymmetrical Spur is an iron spur, dating to the late Roman influence period, features an elongated, double-conical spike. Found in Brzezie, it represents military culture during the Przeworsk culture. Brooch/Fibula is a Roman-period fibula with a cross motif, made of bronze and iron. This item from Brzezie is a typical example of Roman influence on clothing accessories in the Przeworsk culture.
Amber Pendant is an amber pendant from the Corded Ware culture, found in Poroże Stare. This late Neolithic artifact showcases early ornamental practices and ritual significance. Half of a Glass Bead is a fragment of a large glass bead with black and white glass patterns, found in Brzezie. This artifact, dating to the Roman influence period, reflects decorative practices in the Przeworsk culture.
Game Stone
A smooth, almost spherical pebble, likely used as a game piece. Found in Brzezie, it offers a fascinating insight into leisure and social practices during the Roman influence period.
Painted Bowl/Miscellaneous Vessel
A painted bowl from the Hallstatt period, found in Szadek. Its creamy clay body and brown decorations provide insight into the artistic practices of the Lusatian culture.
Miniature Jug
A small ceramic jug from the 15th–16th century, made of kaolin clay with red decoration. Found in Kalisz, it offers a glimpse into the craft and aesthetics of medieval Polish pottery.
The exhibition highlights the rich past of the Kalisz region through remarkable artifacts unearthed from the soil. Everyday objects, ornaments, and spiritual symbols offer insight into the lives of its former inhabitants. It is a meeting with history, preserved in materials and forms that have withstood the passage of time.
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