Excavations at a Thracian sanctuary in modern-day Bulgaria have yielded several nickel-filigreed ritual daggers. These ornate weapons were used in a forgotten "Mid-Spring Shield" festival, where warriors engaged in choreographed dances to ensure the protection of the community's herds during their first outing of the year.
The presence of nickel filigree demonstrates the immense wealth poured into these seasonal celebrations. The site also contained residues of specialized ritual incense, pointing to a multi-sensory experience that defined the spiritual life of the Iron Age Thracian elite during communal spring gatherings.