Von römischen Glocken und awarischen Schellen – Frühgeschichtliche Idiophone aus Wien

The article presents Roman bells and Avar bell finds from Vienna. Excavations within the area of ancient Vienna
(Vindobona) unearthed 25 bells. They were found in the military camp, the canabae legionis, both in the first district
of Vienna, the civil town in the third Viennese district and near ancient roads. They are cast in diverse copper-alloys
(Cu-Sn-Pb; Cu-Sn-Zn-Pb; Cu-Pb) and forged from iron sheet. A larger amount originates from metallurgic workshops
and probably were produced there. The sizes vary from 7 mm up to 91 mm. The copper-alloy bells are classified
into four types and the iron bells only in one type. Whereas none of the larger bells can be associated with a more
precise function, the tiny bells served as jewellery and apotropaic pendants on necklaces and bracelets. Bells were
signal instruments to regulate the daily life of a settlement, served as apotropaic wind chimes in various buildings,
courtyards and gardens, decorated grazing animals and were part of the harness of draught, pack and riding animals. They also played a role in religious life. From the Avar period 21 pellet bells, three tutuli shaped bells and two
bells are known in Vienna. Mostly they were found in children’s and a few adults burials. Some horses had pellet
bells as parts of the bridle and saddle. One dog wore a pellet bells on its collar. Pellet bells were cast in copper alloys
(Cu-Sn-Pb; Cu-Sn-Zn-Pb) and forged in metal sheets (Fe, Bz). Their surfaces are smooth ore decorated. Small pebbles
or bronze balls are enclosed in the rattles. They are classified into five basic shapes. Pellet bells probably served as
apotropaic amulets and jewellery. They were not very common in the Avar communities, because they appear only
in a few graves from the middle of the 7th c. onwards. Well-preserved bells and pellet bells were recorded and analysed acoustically and psychoacoustically. Their frequencies range from 1.2 – 20 kHz. Both types are bright and sharp
in sound but hardly rough.