On the Original Function of the cross-like Brace from Ždrijacin Nin
Ante Milošević
The text analyses once again the cross-like application found in 1977 Grave 324 of early medieval cemetery at Ždrijac Nin. published so far claim find to be an artefact proving Christianisation Croats and other Slavs their new land under Carolingian influence. In doing this, attempts were made compare Nin with numerous fibulas all over Western Europe. We hold such comparisons unacceptable, because typological- morphological functional differences also none has figural images like those on Following analysis, we originally have been a horse harness brace that connected two mutually perpendicularly crossing belts. This is supported by distribution larger number wholes for massive rivets contributed its strength. While assuming opposite stylised human masks figures represent Svantevit who, as interpreted, was hypostasis old-Slavic god Perun, it logical conclude this comes from times before Dalmatia accepted Christianity scale. Its subsequent use child grave, probably 9th century, can reasonably interpreted object that, time, witnessed Christened member community Nin, time when awareness old faith, brought original lands, gradually vanishing. could certainly clear shape application, recognisable Christian symbol. It may further assumed century cross- gilded relict prove deceased person’s long belonging Christianity. opinion fragment already mentioned, very similar, Budec Czech Republic, subsequently used pendant, and, after most being older relic, too, pieces, distributed heirs. similar way previously mentioned part featuring mask, Spodnja Hajdna Slovenia, together some modest Bijelo Brdo culture artefacts. thus obvious changed function. Such cases recorded elsewhere well, instance well known Visigoth hoard Torredonjimeno province Jaen Spain, where several dozens pendants-relics, provisionally fragments crosses, found. thus, cannot times, but only lasting process which newly arrived Slavs, area present day Dalmatia, later half 7th during 8th centuries, abandoned faith From iconographical contents concluded deeper more complex religious meaning than far, significantly increases cultural historic importance, indicating possibilities future studies our history.