Pozlačena aplika z upodobitvijo leva z gradu Stari Jeterbenk (Alt Hertenberg) na hribu Kašča pri Medvodah

The article presents the art historically and archaeologically significant high medieval find from the eastern slope of Kašča Hill above the village of Žlebe near Medvode (central Slovenia), on which supposedly stood Stari Jeterbenk Castle (Germ. Alt Hertenberg), belonging to the Spanheim ministerials, the Lords of Hertenberg. The aforementioned find is a square-shaped mount made of gilded copper plate, featuring an embossed depiction of a lion. Considering the absence of holes or rivets and given the interpretation of the function of similar finds in the central European area, it was probably part of the decoration of a belt or other item of clothing or personal equipment, perhaps a bag or a wooden chest for holding valuables. Based on stylistic comparisons and analogue finds from closed contexts, the series of identical mounts, which the find under discussion supposedly formed part of, may roughly be dated between the end of the twelfth century and the early fourteenth century. The artefact, having most likely drifted to the site of discovery down the steep slope from the domed summit of the hill where the castle remains are located, confirms the understanding of the architectural and chronological development of the Jeterbenk Castle complex and adds to the archaeologically documented material culture of the nobility in Carniola.