Through a multi-scalar approach using archaeological and statistical methods this paper investiga... more Through a multi-scalar approach using archaeological and statistical methods this paper investigates identity through a comparative study of 270 female gendered burials from Jutland, Funen, Bornholm and Northern Germany. The understanding of the societal structure in the Bronze Age is based on a binary gender system and the variation within these gender categories is emphasised as highly significant for our understanding of gendered social roles in the Early Nordic Bronze Age (NBA). This paper demonstrates that elite women in Early NBA (c.1600–1100 BCE) held high social standing as well as holding multi-facetted social roles, reflecting both status and identity but with a change in status observed from NBA period II to III (c. 1300 BCE onwards). Network investigations of the female graves revealed that one armring in particular was dominant in the material and is seen a key identity marker for Early Nordic Bronze Age women. Further, it is concluded that analyses of object-type combi...
Through network explorations of identities in the Early Nordic Bronze Age (ca. 1700–1100 BCE), th... more Through network explorations of identities in the Early Nordic Bronze Age (ca. 1700–1100 BCE), the assemblages from 5169 burials published by Aner and Kersten (1973–2014) were investigated for gendered structural patterns. The study found a normative gendered division in the Early Nordic Bronze Age of female and male spheres. The analyses also found a strong overall homogeneity for the identity expression of both men and women; however, this homogeneity could be unfolded by targeted analyses of specific object type combinations for both women and men. This scalar approach allowed for a focus on individuals with ‘non-normative’ grave goods as well as an overarching view of the total dataset, thereby providing a nuanced understanding of the diversity within and between the normative gendered structures. These ‘non-normative’ individuals provide the basis for the discussion of gendered symbols of power. The dagger and diadem are proposed as signs of high-status women and markers of differentiated social power. The folding chair is argued to represent political, religious and military leadership connected to male status. Finally, the identification of male individuals buried with the full weapon assemblage of sword, spear and axe points to an expression of male high social status regionally rooted in Northern Germany.
So far, the archaeological research gives a
good overview of the woolen textiles of the
Early Bro... more So far, the archaeological research gives a good overview of the woolen textiles of the Early Bronze Age, especially the finds from the oak coffin burials. There are, however, still questions to ask about the production and manufacturing of wool, and how this can be seen in the material culture. Objects connected to textile production from settlement contexts in Denmark are still very sparse, loom weights and spindle whorls are not many to list. Of course, the conservation conditions and the missing knowledge of the material may explain the absence of such finds. However, a re-assessment of the objects from different Early Bronze Age settlements from Museum Sønderjylland actually shows that the textile production seems to have been more common than suggested until now – at least locally
Full article available here: https://tidsskrift.dk/dja/article/view/117955/167627
This paper pr... more Full article available here: https://tidsskrift.dk/dja/article/view/117955/167627 This paper provides a discussion of the increasing amount of mobility data from the Early Nordic Bronze Age (Early NBA), c. 1600-1100 BCE with particular focus on NBA II and III (c. 1500-1100 BCE). As a male-oriented study, the intent is to develop current perspectives on gender roles in the Early NBA in relation to mobility. In order to achieve our aim, we conducted strontium isotope analyses and radiocarbon dating combined with an in-depth archaeological investigation of grave goods obtained from two male burials from the Vejle region, SE Jutland. To contextualise the case study results, we also conducted network analyses of male gear from burials and ritual deposits on a regional scale, which reveal differentiated roles among men in the upper social echelon. The warrior emerged as an overall identity for high-ranking males whilst differences in male weaponry interestingly suggest that a minimum of three kinds of warriors were distinguished, reflecting social roles in war and society. The results suggest that one of the individuals was local while the other might have moved. The overall aim is to demonstrate that robust results regarding gendered mobilities will depend on the combination of several methods, datasets and scales of inquiry.
Through a multi-scalar approach using archaeological and statistical methods this paper investigates identity through a comparative study of 270 female gendered burials from Jutland, Funen, Bornholm and Northern Germany. The understanding of the societal structure in the Bronze Age is based on a binary gender system and the variation within these gender categories is emphasised as highly significant for our understanding of gendered social roles in the Early Nordic Bronze Age (NBA). This paper demonstrates that elite women in Early NBA (c.1600–1100 BCE) held high social standing as well as holding multi-facetted social roles, reflecting both status and identity but with a change in status observed from NBA period II to III (c. 1300 BCE onwards). Network investigations of the female graves revealed that one armring in particular was dominant in the material and is seen a key identity marker for Early Nordic Bronze Age women. Further, it is concluded that analyses of object-type combinations can point towards potential dual identities of some of these women.
Dodd & Meijer (eds.) 2018. Giving the Past a Future: Essays in Archaeology and Rock Art Studies in Honour of Dr. Phil. h.c. Gerhard Milstreu. Access Archaeology. Archaeopress., 2018
Travel, Trade & Alliances In The Bronze Age.
The Egtved Girl was buried in Egtved, Denmark 1370 B... more Travel, Trade & Alliances In The Bronze Age. The Egtved Girl was buried in Egtved, Denmark 1370 BC. Famous for her well-preserved grave, she has become an icon for the Danish Bronze Age and the object of continuous archaeological study. The latest groundbreaking research has revealed that the she was not local from the Egtved area but instead grew up far from present day Denmark, and travelled long distances in her short life. The Egtved Girl is thus directly linked to the trade and alliance networks that existed across Europe and the Middle East in the Bronze Age. This article wishes to sum up the Egtved Girl’s fascinating story and bring new perspectives to understanding her identity and social role in the Bronze Age.
The article sets out to analyse Danish rock carvings in their archaeological context and landscap... more The article sets out to analyse Danish rock carvings in their archaeological context and landscape
setting. Rock carvings in different contexts would have contained different meaning to the
contemporary society. Analyses show that Danish rock carvings on free standing boulders are
set in a ‘closed’ landscape setting with low visibility to the surroundings and therefore seem
to require a local knowledge of the area in order to be recognized. Rock carvings in burial
contexts or on bedrock are placed in an open landscape setting where burials and rituals have
taken place presumably to secure the world order and the power of the local elite.
I denne rapport afrapporteres de arkæologiske undersøgelser, der fandt sted i Vatnahverfi i Sydgr... more I denne rapport afrapporteres de arkæologiske undersøgelser, der fandt sted i Vatnahverfi i Sydgrønland sommeren 2007 indenfor rammerne af Danmarks Nationalmuseums projekt: Ressourceudnyttelse, Mobilitet og Kulturel Identitet – Den norrøne bosætning i Vatnahverfi, Sydgrønland ca. AD 985-1450.
Through a multi-scalar approach using archaeological and statistical methods this paper investiga... more Through a multi-scalar approach using archaeological and statistical methods this paper investigates identity through a comparative study of 270 female gendered burials from Jutland, Funen, Bornholm and Northern Germany. The understanding of the societal structure in the Bronze Age is based on a binary gender system and the variation within these gender categories is emphasised as highly significant for our understanding of gendered social roles in the Early Nordic Bronze Age (NBA). This paper demonstrates that elite women in Early NBA (c.1600–1100 BCE) held high social standing as well as holding multi-facetted social roles, reflecting both status and identity but with a change in status observed from NBA period II to III (c. 1300 BCE onwards). Network investigations of the female graves revealed that one armring in particular was dominant in the material and is seen a key identity marker for Early Nordic Bronze Age women. Further, it is concluded that analyses of object-type combi...
Through network explorations of identities in the Early Nordic Bronze Age (ca. 1700–1100 BCE), th... more Through network explorations of identities in the Early Nordic Bronze Age (ca. 1700–1100 BCE), the assemblages from 5169 burials published by Aner and Kersten (1973–2014) were investigated for gendered structural patterns. The study found a normative gendered division in the Early Nordic Bronze Age of female and male spheres. The analyses also found a strong overall homogeneity for the identity expression of both men and women; however, this homogeneity could be unfolded by targeted analyses of specific object type combinations for both women and men. This scalar approach allowed for a focus on individuals with ‘non-normative’ grave goods as well as an overarching view of the total dataset, thereby providing a nuanced understanding of the diversity within and between the normative gendered structures. These ‘non-normative’ individuals provide the basis for the discussion of gendered symbols of power. The dagger and diadem are proposed as signs of high-status women and markers of differentiated social power. The folding chair is argued to represent political, religious and military leadership connected to male status. Finally, the identification of male individuals buried with the full weapon assemblage of sword, spear and axe points to an expression of male high social status regionally rooted in Northern Germany.
So far, the archaeological research gives a
good overview of the woolen textiles of the
Early Bro... more So far, the archaeological research gives a good overview of the woolen textiles of the Early Bronze Age, especially the finds from the oak coffin burials. There are, however, still questions to ask about the production and manufacturing of wool, and how this can be seen in the material culture. Objects connected to textile production from settlement contexts in Denmark are still very sparse, loom weights and spindle whorls are not many to list. Of course, the conservation conditions and the missing knowledge of the material may explain the absence of such finds. However, a re-assessment of the objects from different Early Bronze Age settlements from Museum Sønderjylland actually shows that the textile production seems to have been more common than suggested until now – at least locally
Full article available here: https://tidsskrift.dk/dja/article/view/117955/167627
This paper pr... more Full article available here: https://tidsskrift.dk/dja/article/view/117955/167627 This paper provides a discussion of the increasing amount of mobility data from the Early Nordic Bronze Age (Early NBA), c. 1600-1100 BCE with particular focus on NBA II and III (c. 1500-1100 BCE). As a male-oriented study, the intent is to develop current perspectives on gender roles in the Early NBA in relation to mobility. In order to achieve our aim, we conducted strontium isotope analyses and radiocarbon dating combined with an in-depth archaeological investigation of grave goods obtained from two male burials from the Vejle region, SE Jutland. To contextualise the case study results, we also conducted network analyses of male gear from burials and ritual deposits on a regional scale, which reveal differentiated roles among men in the upper social echelon. The warrior emerged as an overall identity for high-ranking males whilst differences in male weaponry interestingly suggest that a minimum of three kinds of warriors were distinguished, reflecting social roles in war and society. The results suggest that one of the individuals was local while the other might have moved. The overall aim is to demonstrate that robust results regarding gendered mobilities will depend on the combination of several methods, datasets and scales of inquiry.
Through a multi-scalar approach using archaeological and statistical methods this paper investigates identity through a comparative study of 270 female gendered burials from Jutland, Funen, Bornholm and Northern Germany. The understanding of the societal structure in the Bronze Age is based on a binary gender system and the variation within these gender categories is emphasised as highly significant for our understanding of gendered social roles in the Early Nordic Bronze Age (NBA). This paper demonstrates that elite women in Early NBA (c.1600–1100 BCE) held high social standing as well as holding multi-facetted social roles, reflecting both status and identity but with a change in status observed from NBA period II to III (c. 1300 BCE onwards). Network investigations of the female graves revealed that one armring in particular was dominant in the material and is seen a key identity marker for Early Nordic Bronze Age women. Further, it is concluded that analyses of object-type combinations can point towards potential dual identities of some of these women.
Dodd & Meijer (eds.) 2018. Giving the Past a Future: Essays in Archaeology and Rock Art Studies in Honour of Dr. Phil. h.c. Gerhard Milstreu. Access Archaeology. Archaeopress., 2018
Travel, Trade & Alliances In The Bronze Age.
The Egtved Girl was buried in Egtved, Denmark 1370 B... more Travel, Trade & Alliances In The Bronze Age. The Egtved Girl was buried in Egtved, Denmark 1370 BC. Famous for her well-preserved grave, she has become an icon for the Danish Bronze Age and the object of continuous archaeological study. The latest groundbreaking research has revealed that the she was not local from the Egtved area but instead grew up far from present day Denmark, and travelled long distances in her short life. The Egtved Girl is thus directly linked to the trade and alliance networks that existed across Europe and the Middle East in the Bronze Age. This article wishes to sum up the Egtved Girl’s fascinating story and bring new perspectives to understanding her identity and social role in the Bronze Age.
The article sets out to analyse Danish rock carvings in their archaeological context and landscap... more The article sets out to analyse Danish rock carvings in their archaeological context and landscape
setting. Rock carvings in different contexts would have contained different meaning to the
contemporary society. Analyses show that Danish rock carvings on free standing boulders are
set in a ‘closed’ landscape setting with low visibility to the surroundings and therefore seem
to require a local knowledge of the area in order to be recognized. Rock carvings in burial
contexts or on bedrock are placed in an open landscape setting where burials and rituals have
taken place presumably to secure the world order and the power of the local elite.
I denne rapport afrapporteres de arkæologiske undersøgelser, der fandt sted i Vatnahverfi i Sydgr... more I denne rapport afrapporteres de arkæologiske undersøgelser, der fandt sted i Vatnahverfi i Sydgrønland sommeren 2007 indenfor rammerne af Danmarks Nationalmuseums projekt: Ressourceudnyttelse, Mobilitet og Kulturel Identitet – Den norrøne bosætning i Vatnahverfi, Sydgrønland ca. AD 985-1450.
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Papers by Louise Felding
good overview of the woolen textiles of the
Early Bronze Age, especially the finds from
the oak coffin burials. There are, however,
still questions to ask about the production
and manufacturing of wool, and how
this can be seen in the material culture.
Objects connected to textile production
from settlement contexts in Denmark are
still very sparse, loom weights and spindle
whorls are not many to list. Of course, the
conservation conditions and the missing
knowledge of the material may explain
the absence of such finds. However,
a re-assessment
of the objects from different
Early Bronze Age settlements from
Museum Sønderjylland actually shows
that the textile production seems to have
been more common than suggested until
now – at least locally
This paper provides a discussion of the increasing amount of mobility data from the Early Nordic Bronze Age (Early NBA), c. 1600-1100 BCE with particular focus on NBA II and III (c. 1500-1100 BCE). As a male-oriented study, the intent is to develop current perspectives on gender roles in the Early NBA in relation to mobility. In order to achieve our aim, we conducted strontium isotope analyses and radiocarbon dating combined with an in-depth archaeological investigation of grave goods obtained from two male burials from the Vejle region, SE Jutland. To contextualise the case study results, we also conducted network analyses of male gear from burials and ritual deposits on a regional scale, which reveal differentiated roles among men in the upper social echelon. The warrior emerged as an overall identity for high-ranking males whilst differences in male weaponry interestingly suggest that a minimum of three kinds of warriors were distinguished, reflecting social roles in war and society. The results suggest that one of the individuals was local while the other might have moved. The overall aim is to demonstrate that robust results regarding gendered mobilities will depend on the combination of several methods, datasets and scales of inquiry.
Through a multi-scalar approach using archaeological and statistical methods this paper investigates identity through a comparative study of 270 female gendered burials from Jutland, Funen, Bornholm and Northern Germany. The understanding of the societal structure in the Bronze Age is based on a binary gender system and the variation within these gender categories is emphasised as highly significant for our understanding of gendered social roles in the Early Nordic Bronze Age (NBA). This paper demonstrates that elite women in Early NBA (c.1600–1100 BCE) held high social standing as well as holding multi-facetted social roles, reflecting both status and identity but with a change in status observed from NBA period II to III (c. 1300 BCE onwards). Network investigations of the female graves revealed that one armring in particular was dominant in the material and is seen a key identity marker for Early Nordic Bronze Age women. Further, it is concluded that analyses of object-type combinations can point towards potential dual identities of some of these women.
The Egtved Girl was buried in Egtved, Denmark 1370 BC. Famous for her well-preserved grave, she has become an icon for the Danish Bronze Age and the object of continuous archaeological study. The latest groundbreaking research has revealed that the she was not local from the Egtved area but instead grew up far from present day Denmark, and travelled long distances in her short life. The Egtved Girl is thus directly linked to the trade and alliance networks that existed across Europe and the Middle East in the Bronze Age. This article wishes to sum up the Egtved Girl’s fascinating story and bring new perspectives to understanding her identity and social role in the Bronze Age.
setting. Rock carvings in different contexts would have contained different meaning to the
contemporary society. Analyses show that Danish rock carvings on free standing boulders are
set in a ‘closed’ landscape setting with low visibility to the surroundings and therefore seem
to require a local knowledge of the area in order to be recognized. Rock carvings in burial
contexts or on bedrock are placed in an open landscape setting where burials and rituals have
taken place presumably to secure the world order and the power of the local elite.
good overview of the woolen textiles of the
Early Bronze Age, especially the finds from
the oak coffin burials. There are, however,
still questions to ask about the production
and manufacturing of wool, and how
this can be seen in the material culture.
Objects connected to textile production
from settlement contexts in Denmark are
still very sparse, loom weights and spindle
whorls are not many to list. Of course, the
conservation conditions and the missing
knowledge of the material may explain
the absence of such finds. However,
a re-assessment
of the objects from different
Early Bronze Age settlements from
Museum Sønderjylland actually shows
that the textile production seems to have
been more common than suggested until
now – at least locally
This paper provides a discussion of the increasing amount of mobility data from the Early Nordic Bronze Age (Early NBA), c. 1600-1100 BCE with particular focus on NBA II and III (c. 1500-1100 BCE). As a male-oriented study, the intent is to develop current perspectives on gender roles in the Early NBA in relation to mobility. In order to achieve our aim, we conducted strontium isotope analyses and radiocarbon dating combined with an in-depth archaeological investigation of grave goods obtained from two male burials from the Vejle region, SE Jutland. To contextualise the case study results, we also conducted network analyses of male gear from burials and ritual deposits on a regional scale, which reveal differentiated roles among men in the upper social echelon. The warrior emerged as an overall identity for high-ranking males whilst differences in male weaponry interestingly suggest that a minimum of three kinds of warriors were distinguished, reflecting social roles in war and society. The results suggest that one of the individuals was local while the other might have moved. The overall aim is to demonstrate that robust results regarding gendered mobilities will depend on the combination of several methods, datasets and scales of inquiry.
Through a multi-scalar approach using archaeological and statistical methods this paper investigates identity through a comparative study of 270 female gendered burials from Jutland, Funen, Bornholm and Northern Germany. The understanding of the societal structure in the Bronze Age is based on a binary gender system and the variation within these gender categories is emphasised as highly significant for our understanding of gendered social roles in the Early Nordic Bronze Age (NBA). This paper demonstrates that elite women in Early NBA (c.1600–1100 BCE) held high social standing as well as holding multi-facetted social roles, reflecting both status and identity but with a change in status observed from NBA period II to III (c. 1300 BCE onwards). Network investigations of the female graves revealed that one armring in particular was dominant in the material and is seen a key identity marker for Early Nordic Bronze Age women. Further, it is concluded that analyses of object-type combinations can point towards potential dual identities of some of these women.
The Egtved Girl was buried in Egtved, Denmark 1370 BC. Famous for her well-preserved grave, she has become an icon for the Danish Bronze Age and the object of continuous archaeological study. The latest groundbreaking research has revealed that the she was not local from the Egtved area but instead grew up far from present day Denmark, and travelled long distances in her short life. The Egtved Girl is thus directly linked to the trade and alliance networks that existed across Europe and the Middle East in the Bronze Age. This article wishes to sum up the Egtved Girl’s fascinating story and bring new perspectives to understanding her identity and social role in the Bronze Age.
setting. Rock carvings in different contexts would have contained different meaning to the
contemporary society. Analyses show that Danish rock carvings on free standing boulders are
set in a ‘closed’ landscape setting with low visibility to the surroundings and therefore seem
to require a local knowledge of the area in order to be recognized. Rock carvings in burial
contexts or on bedrock are placed in an open landscape setting where burials and rituals have
taken place presumably to secure the world order and the power of the local elite.