Project Manager
Nordqvist, BengtProject manager
Archaeology Victim site FinnestorpAmount granted
485 650 SEKYear
2019
During 2000-2004 and 2008-2012 investigations were carried out at Offerplats Finnestorp. A site that contains 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 most important remains from the Nordic prehistory. At the Finnestorp Sacrificial Site, warriors have repeatedly been sacrificed along with their war stallions and precious weapons. These mighty men were armed with magnificent gilded swords, lances and shining golden horse equipment. Trinkets of royal value, made by the finest 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 a popular science book. The metallurgical analysis shows that the objects were made by highly skilled smiths. The analysis of lead isotopes shows that the copper ores used can be traced to northern England.
In 2018-2019, manuscripts for two book volumes about Finnestorp will be completed. These are volume I - "Finds in Focus" (the section on horse equipment) and volume II - a "Coffee Table Book". Paper III presents the results of the investigations of the gold neck ring from Bragnum, the gold neck collar from Möne, and several side projects. The forthcoming isotope analyses concern studies of horse and human teeth. The aim of these analyses is to shed light on the important issue of provenance and geographical mobility.