Finger ring, silver, copy

After original from the mass graves, the Cross Meadow, Visby parish, Gotland (SHM 29750). The only piece of jewellery than can be connected to one of the dead with certainty. The original was still on the finger of one of the buried individuals. The ring has the inscription "IOHANNES". Names of persons in medieval finger rings are relatively uncommon. Perhaps the person wearing the ring was called Johannes. Another theory is that the name relates to the Apostle John, one of Jesus' disciples who was patron saint for many craftsmen. It could also be John the Baptist, whom the Christian faith associates with baptism, christening and the remission of sins.