Project Manager
Nordqvist, BengtProject manager
Archaeology sacrifice site FinnestorpAmount granted
495 900 SEKYear
2018During 2000-2012, research investigations were carried out at Offerplats Finnestorp. A site that turns out to contain a find material that belongs to the category - "the finest and most exquisite objects from Sweden's pre-Christian era" and it belongs to one of the more important remains from the Nordic prehistory. At the Finnestorp Sacrifice Site, warriors upon warriors have been sacrificed along with their war stallions and precious weapons. These mighty men whose arsenal consisted of magnificent gilded swords and shining golden horse equipment. Items of royal value, made by the most skilled craftsmen in Europe at the time. The ongoing research work includes international comparisons and publication of the research work in the form of a major scientific book and popular science book.
The metallurgical analysis shows that the objects were made by highly skilled smiths. Lead isotope analysis shows that the copper ores used can be traced to the north of England.
In 2018, two book volumes on Finnestorp will be completed. These are the magnum opus (I and II) - "Finds in Focus" (section on horse equipment) and - a "Coffee Table Book". The third publication presents the results of the investigations on the gold neck ring from Bragnum, the gold neck collar from Möne, and several side projects. The forthcoming isotopic analyses concern studies of equine and human teeth. The aim of these analyses is to shed light on the important issue of provenance and geographical mobility.