This project was concluded in 2024.
Project information
Project manager
Peter Skoglund
Other project members
Courtney Nimura, University of Oxford, England; Christian Horn, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Participating organizations
Linnaeus University, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; University of Oxford, England
Financier
University of Oxford, John Fell Fund
Timetable
1 Jan 2021–31 Dec 2024
Subject
Archaeology (Department of Cultural Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Humanities)
More about the project
For decades, scholars have debated the purpose and meaning of hoards. Were they sacrificial offerings or the stockpiles of metalworkers? Were they intended to protect valuables during times of threat?
Much of the research has focused on the origin of the objects and their metallurgical composition. Fewer studies have examined the relationship between hoards and the landscape, and even fewer have included site visits and fieldwork.
Our project has systematically combined archival studies, such as the analysis of historical maps, with field investigations. Thanks to this methodology, we have been able to demonstrate significant changes throughout the Bronze Age, not only in terms of the types of objects deposited but also in the nature of the locations chosen for deposition. During the Early Bronze Age, for example, large numbers of axes were deposited at various types of sites across the landscape. In contrast, during the Middle Bronze Age, it became more common for exclusive objects to be deposited at spectacular and prominent locations in the landscape where different kinds of typographic elements were present.
Through this study, we have been able to put forth new interpretations for the metalwork hoards in Halland and pose new questions about hoarding practices on a wider scale.
Image: Bonnevier, Helena, Historiska museet/SHM (CC BY 4.0)
