Berlin’s Molkenmarkt, the city’s oldest square, has always been a window into history. Recent excavations at this historic site have uncovered a treasure trove of medieval artifacts that provide a rare glimpse into the religious practices and beliefs of the Late Middle Ages. Among the discoveries are nearly intact statuettes of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and the Madonna with Child, along with 188 ceramic female figures. These relics offer a profound understanding of civic religiosity during a transformative period in Berlin’s history.
The Historic Significance of Molkenmarkt
Molkenmarkt, located in Berlin’s Mitte district, has been a focal point of archaeological investigations for nearly five years. As Berlin’s oldest square, its history dates back over 1,000 years. Once a bustling hub in the heart of medieval Berlin, this site is a goldmine for researchers seeking to unravel the layers of the city’s past. Over 600,000 artifacts have been unearthed at Molkenmarkt, ranging from pottery to unique items such as a 17th-century Japanese Wakizashi sword.
Dr. Sebastian Heber, head of the Berlin State Monument Office’s Department of Archaeological Monument Preservation, emphasized the importance of the recent findings: “Both saintly figures are extremely rare in an archaeological context for Berlin and beyond. They provide a unique glimpse into the civic religiosity of the Late Middle Ages.”
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Key Discoveries at Molkenmarkt
One of the most extraordinary finds is a white clay statuette of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, measuring 11 centimeters in height and dating back to the mid-15th century. This intricately crafted figure, nearly intact, is adorned with a tall spiked crown symbolizing divine marriage. The statuette also features a sword and a wheel, representing the saint’s martyrdom. Saint Catherine was a scholar and Christian martyr venerated as a patron saint during the Late Middle Ages, especially in times of need.
Equally captivating is the 7-centimeter statuette of the Madonna with Child. Although the figure is missing its head, it vividly depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the Christ Child in her left arm, while her right hand appears to offer him an apple—a symbolic reference to humanity’s redemption. This depiction underscores the central role of Marian devotion in medieval religious art and beliefs.
A Trove of 188 Female Ceramic Statuettes
Adding to the significance of the excavation are fragments from 188 ceramic female statuettes, dated to the mid-14th century. These figures are unique in that they feature medallion-shaped settings in their chest areas, which contain inlays of human bone fragments. Researchers believe these statuettes served as reliquaries, holding physical remnants of saints and embodying the deep spiritual connection medieval Berliners had with their faith.
The statuettes, reconstructed to stand about 8 centimeters tall, represent both crowned and uncrowned figures. Their discovery highlights the growing popular piety of the Late Middle Ages, reflecting how ordinary people expressed their devotion through objects that bridged the divine and the earthly.
Material and Craftsmanship
The use of white clay for these statuettes speaks volumes about the artistic techniques of the time. White clay was favored for its durability and smooth texture, which allowed for intricate detailing. The craftsmanship evident in the statuettes aligns with the broader trends of religious art across medieval Europe, where artistry served as both an aesthetic pursuit and a means of devotion.
The statuettes and figurines from Molkenmarkt are comparable to other medieval artifacts found in Germany and neighboring regions, yet their condition and context make them exceptionally valuable. These objects not only reflect religious practices but also offer insights into the social and economic conditions of medieval Berlin.
Insights into Civic Religiosity of the Late Middle Ages
The discoveries at Molkenmarkt shed light on the civic religiosity that defined the Late Middle Ages. The veneration of saintly figures such as Saint Catherine and the Madonna with Child was central to the lives of medieval Berliners. These figures were not merely artistic representations but were imbued with deep spiritual significance. They served as symbols of protection, guidance, and intercession with the divine.
The reliquary statuettes, with their inlays of human bone fragments, underscore the importance of physical connections to saints in medieval spirituality. These objects allowed individuals to feel a tangible link to the divine, reflecting a period when faith was intricately woven into the fabric of daily life.
Comparative Finds from Europe
The findings at Molkenmarkt are not isolated. Similar discoveries across Europe highlight the universal themes of faith and devotion that characterized the Middle Ages. For instance, reliquaries and ceramic figurines have been unearthed in other parts of Germany, as well as in France and Italy. These parallels help place the Molkenmarkt discoveries within the broader context of medieval religious practices.
What sets Molkenmarkt apart, however, is the sheer number and condition of the artifacts. The nearly intact statuettes of Saint Catherine and the Madonna, combined with the fragments of 188 reliquary figurines, provide an unparalleled opportunity to study the intersection of art, faith, and daily life in medieval Berlin.
Future Research and Preservation Efforts
The artifacts unearthed at Molkenmarkt are now the focus of intense research. Experts are studying the ceramic statuettes and other relics to uncover more details about their origins, use, and significance. This research will undoubtedly enhance our understanding of medieval Berlin’s religious practices and its connections to broader European traditions.
Efforts are also underway to preserve these artifacts and make them accessible to the public. Plans include museum exhibitions and educational programs that will allow people to engage with these relics and the history they represent.
Conclusion
The discoveries at Berlin’s Molkenmarkt are a testament to the enduring power of archaeology to illuminate the past. From the nearly intact statuettes of Saint Catherine and the Madonna with Child to the fragments of 188 ceramic figurines, these relics provide a window into the faith and daily lives of medieval Berliners. They remind us that history is not just a record of events but a tapestry of beliefs, practices, and art that continue to inspire and inform us today. Through careful study and preservation, the treasures of Molkenmarkt will ensure that this chapter of Berlin’s history remains alive for generations to come.
