The political and economic situation in the southeast Baltic region changed dramatically when two main powers, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Teutonic Order, emerged in the 13th century. These political structures tried to involve local communities in the social organisation of their newly established states. Archaeological material (pottery) is analysed in this article. It could help us understand the processes happening in what is now western Lithuania during the Medieval period. Local and Western pottery is assessed as evidence of contacts between the Crusaders and the local people. These contacts are interpreted as part of the cultural interaction process between the two different communities
Ten apostle spoons have been found in Lithuania during archaeological excavations and site surveys, and two have been brought to the museum by people who found them on their land. This article discusses their identification, material, context and provenance. Additionally, it is argued that apostle spoons, which for a long time were thought to be only used as christening gifts, had other purposes. The distribution map reveals that all the apostle spoons were found inland, with the largest number concentrated in Vilnius, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The apostle spoons that were found in Lithuania were probably made in the 17th century, and used until the first half of the 18th century. The features of the figures indicate that they were made in and imported from England and continental Europe. Of the 12 spoons analysed, only five apostles could be identified with certainty, and they correspond well with the most popular saints and names in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Late Medieval and Early Modern Period stoneware production is often found in archaeological excavations around the world. The identification and analysis of these objects provides information about technical innovations, long-distance trade, and social and economic changes in societies. Stoneware vessels were used for pouring and storing liquids, and thus indicate changing drinking habits. Vessels are dated and classified by their surface treatment, the colour of the stoneware, and their decorative motifs, and are then associated with specific manufacturing centres by using a comparative method. The stoneware in Vilnius was produced at production sites in Siegburg, Cologne, Frechen, Raeren, Westerwald and Waldenburg. The earliest stoneware vessels could be associated with newcomers to the town; while in later periods their distribution indicates higher demand and usage in town dwellers’ households.