Zurich cantonal archaeology discovers complete armored gauntlet
Published: Tuesday, Jan 16th 2024, 11:31
Updated At: Tuesday, Jan 16th 2024, 11:31
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During an excavation in Kyburg ZH, the Zurich Cantonal Archaeology Department has made a discovery that it describes as a sensation: They came across a fully preserved gauntlet of armor from the 14th century.
The discovery of the Kyburg glove can be considered sensational due to its age and condition, said project manager Lorena Burkhardt at a media conference on Tuesday in the warehouse and laboratory of Zurich Cantonal Archaeology in Dübendorf.
Individual fingers look like new
According to Burkhardt, only five gauntlets from this period are known to exist in Switzerland. But none of them are anywhere near as well preserved as the Kyburg specimen. All the iron parts of this one have been found, and some of the fingers are even completely free of corrosion and look as good as new. "This allows us to recognize many details of the design and decoration."
Cantonal archaeology staff discovered the complete right armored glove and several fragments of its left counterpart during an excavation in winter 2021/22. They secured the archaeological traces before building a detached house with a basement in the village of Kyburg.
They discovered a medieval weaving cellar that had burned down in the 14th century. Forging may also have taken place in its immediate vicinity; in addition to a casting mold, the archaeologists also discovered over 50 well-preserved metal objects such as hammers, keys and projectile points - as well as the glove.
The scientific work only begins
Burkhardt explained at the media conference that this glove had been manufactured to a high standard. The parts were originally riveted to a leather glove, and the 25 individual metal plates were also riveted to each other. "This allowed a great deal of mobility," said Burkhardt.
But questions are still unanswered. "The scientific work is only just beginning." For example, it is unknown who the valuable gauntlet belonged to. It is also unclear why so few of these objects are found: "Were they also rare in the Middle Ages or were they melted down?" The well-preserved glove is a stroke of luck; thanks to it, many insights can be gained.
A copy of the sensational find will be on display in the permanent exhibition at Kyburg Castle from the end of March. This will be accompanied by a reconstruction showing what this important piece of armor originally looked like. The original will be on display for three weeks in September.
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