Database of Artefacts of Saaremaa

Congratulations to Kristjan Rahu on the Tullio Ilomets Heritage Conservation Award presented by the Estonian Heritage Society!

Over its five years of operation, the Foundation Osiliana has developed into a remarkable and exceptional phenomenon in both the Estonian and the international humanities landscape. Its initiator and principal supporter, Kristjan Rahu, has through his intellectual and material contributions created conditions comparable to the impact of the great philanthropists of history — we can only imagine how much less colours the world would have, for example, without the contributions of the Medici. Thanks to Kristjan Rahu’s consistent support, Osiliana has been able to research the history of Saaremaa, and Estonian history more broadly, at the highest international level.

Since its establishment in 2020, Osiliana has engaged systematically in the study of Saaremaa’s archaeological heritage, currently focusing primarily on the Late Iron Age and the Early Middle Ages. Research has concentrated on hillforts and burial sites associated with this period, and their interpretation has made extensive use of modern natural-science analyses. In just five years, numerous archaeological, historical, geoarchaeological, and laboratory studies have been carried out, and modern technology has been acquired that enables fieldwork and data collection at a significantly higher level than before. The research is led by the experienced archaeologist Marika Mägi, and the foundation has deliberately involved young historians and archaeologists in its activities, thereby contributing to the emergence of a new generation of researchers.

One of the foundations of Osiliana’s success has been the understanding that technical resources and funding for analyses alone are not sufficient. Equally important is investment in people aka the researchers themselves, whose work quality and continuity depend on stable and dignified income. For many years, research into the early history of Saaremaa and the Estonian islands more broadly relied largely on enthusiasm, as financial resources were extremely limited. Osiliana’s activities have significantly changed this situation, and the foundation has developed into a small but effective research center that has earned recognition both in Estonia and internationally. We have presented Saaremaa’s and Estonia’s history at conferences in Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Spain, and elsewhere.

The results of this research have also been visible to the wider public. Saaremaa’s historical sites have become more accessible and better presented, both in the digital environment and on site, offering new knowledge to local residents and visitors to the island alike. Even more important, however, has been a scholarly shift in the interpretation of Estonia’s earlier history, especially concerning the 13th and 14th centuries, where the role of local communities is now seen as far more active than before. In the case of Saaremaa, this new interpretation has been largely supported by Osiliana’s research results, which would not have been possible without Kristjan Rahu’s financial and moral support.

In the current complex geopolitical situation, the significance of such research is particularly important. Studying, interpreting, and presenting one’s own history at the international level is not merely an academic pursuit, but an essential part of cultural self-awareness and continuity. Osiliana’s work is a clear example of how purposeful philanthropy and professional scholarship can together create a lasting and far-reaching impact.