Introduction
This page about lead seals is an online catalogue that has a purpose to collect information about all known lead seals not only from Northern Slovakia. Through this page we want to present the diversity of lead seals and simultaneously develop discussion about its origin, type and dating. Lead seals which guarantee origin and quality is a topic which is not being professionally researched by anyone in Slovakia. We decided to change that. Lead seals are very interesting and important sources that talk about economic development of territory. If we look at the Monuments conservation law, majority of lead seals belongs to the category of archaeological finds, as they are usually older than 1918.
These tiny things are commonly found on agriculturally used lands or on historic roads, but they can be found in urban areas as well. If you have them at home, or if you know anyone who would be willing to contribute them to our catalogue, please contact the page administrator – Martin Furman, archaeologist of the Žilina Regional Monuments Office.
Online catalogue consists of basic information about each lead seal - where it was found, measurements, description of both sides, identification and dating. If we are aware of its founding situation, it is also included. If anybody knows more about any lead seal from our catalogue, we would love to hear from you, contact us on this email address: plomby.septentrio@gmail.com. We are seeking information about those lead seal that we could not date and pinpoint the category or origin.
As was stated before, catalogues ‘aim is to collect all lead seals from Slovakia. It is not selective to those that are already part of it. This is why you can find more examples of the same seal. Oftentimes they were found at different locations. Every lead seal has unique number (ID) with which anyone interested in this topic can find the seal in the KPUZA depositary. However, not every seal is physically there. The intention is to process also the seals that are located in museums or other depository institutions with archaeological finds. These seals have always clearly stated where they are deposited.
What is a lead seal? Why was it used? Since when was it used? You can find out here: Brief history of lead seals.
This web was created on request of Spolok Septentrio. For more information you can visit this web address Spolok Septentrio.