Принос към средневековния мъжки колан от XIII-XIV век (По данни от колекцията във Варненския музей)

Abstract

Subjects of the present preliminary publication are the mediaeval male belts with long pendulous tab. Five belts from treasures, found near the village of Dolishte in District of Varna, and other similar findings from North Eastern Bulgaria are published and discussed. The belts consisted of profiled buckle with tile and two kinds of applications: application in the shape of "double lilies" ("anchor") and heart-shaped as well as a pendant and tab. The metal parts of the belts were of silver gilt, while the textile band was made of red silk. On the basis of numerous similar findings from nearly whole Europe the production of the belts with "double lilies" was determinate to 13th с. It was suggested that these belts used to have a long lasting life. They were given as very valuable presents and later inherited by father to son. According to the author at the beginning the belts were imported to Varna by merchants of Venice, where their attendance was proven by written records. Later on after the model of the expensive imported belts a production of similar belts began in Varna. Good evidence for that local production is two moulds for casting of belt-buckles and a semi-manufactured application. It is to be underlined that this kind of belts was only male accessory. In contrast to West European fashion, women in Mediaeval Bulgaria have never worn belts with buckle and long pendulous tab.