Bosnia postage stamps year 2008 Archaeology – Helmet of Illyrian Warrior

• Name/Title: Archaeological Treasure – Helmet of the Illyrian Warrior from Vranjevo Selo
• Country / Postal Administration: Bosnia & Herzegovina – Mostar (Croatian Post Administration, “HP Mostar”)
• Date of Issue: 12 May 2008
• Designer: Ariana Noršić
• Printer: Zrinski dd Čakovec

Description & Historical/Archaeological Background

• The motif is the helmet of an Illyrian warrior found at Vranjevo Selo, a site in the municipality of Neum, Bosnia & Herzegovina.
• The site contains remains of a Roman settlement, medieval necropolis of stelae, and notably a Bronze Age grave with rich metal and ceramic finds. This particular grave is thought to be of a “prince” of the Illyrians in full battle kit.
• The grave included parts of two Graeco-Illyrian helmets, which are dated to the 4th century BC. The findings are attributed to the Illyrian tribe called Ardijevci.
• Only two similar Illyrian helmets have been found in Bosnia & Herzegovina; the last one before this was discovered in 1904. Currently, the helmet(s) (or helmet parts) from Vranjevo Selo are housed in the Museum and Gallery in the town of Neum, which opened on 25 August 2007.