HORSES, STAGS AND BEAVERS: ANIMALS AS PRESENTS IN LATE-MEDIEVAL LIVONIA

The article discusses the significance of animals in late medieval gift-giving and diplomatic culture. It demonstrates that animals as presents were needed, desired and publicly displayed. Some animals were widely recognized as markers of status. In the case of some other animals, it was their symbolic value that mattered the most. Sources from the medieval Livonian cities indicate the use of the following local and exotic animals and birds as a gift: horse, deer, beaver and turkey. The gifts could also include animal products, such as pelts and garments, or food.