Koman culture

Koman Culture - In 1898 it was excavated in a large cemetery, near the Dalmatian Castle, in the village of Koman in Puka. Subsequently, a large number of similar cemeteries were discovered, about 30, spread mainly in Northern and Central Albania. The geographical distribution, typology, inventory and the same chronology of these cemeteries have led scholars to identify in them the early medieval Albanian culture, called "Kulture Koman" (VI-VIII century). In recent years, the discoveries of the "Koman Culture" have been made in the south of Albania and beyond the state borders, in Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia and Greece.

 "Koman Culture" is the culture of a people since the century.  VI-VIII was at the crossroads of two eras, from late antiquity to the early medieval period.  The typology of the tombs, their orientation, the inventory of weapons, tools and ornaments, with the presence of numerous elements of Illyrian symbolism, connect the "Culture of Koman" with the Illyrian past of these lands and with their ancient inhabitants, the Illyrians.

 Necklace from Shurdhahu
 But, in addition to the elements of Illyrian continuity, the "Culture of Koman" also contains new elements, related to the early Byzantine period.  Durrës, the most important base of the Byzantine Empire in the west, was the center of imports and, in general, Byzantine influences in the depths of the Albanian territories.  The latter are clearly distinguished in some groups of ornaments, such as belt buckles, gilded pins, earrings, etc.  But, above all, Byzantine influence materializes in elements of art, and therefore of the Christian faith.  Such are earrings with peacock motifs, Eucharistic scenes or rings with Christian formulas and prayers.

 While in many of the ornaments found in the "Koman Culture" cemetery the survival of pagan motifs (e.g. solar disk) is clearly evident, the presence of Christian motifs proves that the bearers of the "Koman Culture" had embraced, or were  embrace, the Christian faith.  At this time, ie in the century.  VI-VIII, Christianity, spread by urban centers, such as Durrës, Shkodra, Ohrid, etc., had managed to penetrate into the inner rural areas, where the "Culture of Koman" is evidenced.

 The "Culture of Koman", whether in its heritage of ancient Illyrian culture, or with the new elements of the early Byzantine period and, finally, with the clear signs of the Christian faith, is specific to the area where Albanians testify in the Middle Ages.  .  .  It clearly distinguishes its bearers, the Albanians, from their new and old neighbors, the Slavs and the Greeks.