Julia Mattes
Uppsala University, Department of Archaeology and Ancient History, Department Member
The zoomorphic artefacts of North – and Northeast Europe, mainly belonging to the Pitted Ware culture and the Pit-Comb Ware culture are rearly dealt with in research. This is probably due to their heterogenic nature - there are figurines... more
The zoomorphic artefacts of North – and Northeast Europe, mainly belonging to the Pitted Ware culture and the Pit-Comb Ware culture are rearly dealt with in research. This is probably due to their heterogenic nature - there are figurines and sculptures made of different materials, rock carvings and other objects - and their difficult interpretation.
This paper aims to give a concise survey on the subject matter with a geographic emphasis on the Swedish finds.
Keywords: Mesolithic, neolithic, art, stone age art, figurines, zoomorphic, anthropomorphic, ritual, hunter and gatherer, miniature, animals, Pitted Ware culture, Pit-Comb Ware, Comb Ceramic culture, rock carvings, Scandinavia, Sweden Eastern Europe.
This paper aims to give a concise survey on the subject matter with a geographic emphasis on the Swedish finds.
Keywords: Mesolithic, neolithic, art, stone age art, figurines, zoomorphic, anthropomorphic, ritual, hunter and gatherer, miniature, animals, Pitted Ware culture, Pit-Comb Ware, Comb Ceramic culture, rock carvings, Scandinavia, Sweden Eastern Europe.
Cosmology, religion, rituals, cult, traditions and graves at Rasbobygden site, Sweden in a long term perspective. OPIA 62 / Occasional Papers in... more
Cosmology, religion, rituals, cult, traditions and graves at Rasbobygden site, Sweden in a long term perspective. OPIA 62 / Occasional Papers in Archaeology 62
Research Interests:
Three unusual Viking-age swords of rare shape were found in Scandinavia: Two swords were recovered in a woman’s grave. One of these weapons is so curious that it cannot be matched with any other sword type known so far... more
Three unusual Viking-age swords of rare shape
were found in Scandinavia: Two swords were
recovered in a woman’s grave. One of these
weapons is so curious that it cannot be matched with any
other sword type known so far and it remains a unique
piece to this day. Only after an excavation in Norway in
2011 did a related find of a sword come to light; it too is a
rare specimen. Not only do these artefacts raise questions
about their former use, the grave goods that accompanied
them also give cause to discuss the social status of the
deceased and their possible warrior activities. In one case
we may even be dealing with a female warrior, respec-
tively a participant in a campaign to England. The swords’
rare forms not only make them highly interesting from a
typological perspective but they also uniquely illustrate
the transition from paganism to Christianity during the
eleventh century.
Keywords:
Scandinavia;
England;
Finland;
Norway;
Viking-Age;
sword finds;
weapon graves;
female grave;
female warrior;
shieldmaiden;
Norse religion;
Christianisation;
raid;
campaign;
war
were found in Scandinavia: Two swords were
recovered in a woman’s grave. One of these
weapons is so curious that it cannot be matched with any
other sword type known so far and it remains a unique
piece to this day. Only after an excavation in Norway in
2011 did a related find of a sword come to light; it too is a
rare specimen. Not only do these artefacts raise questions
about their former use, the grave goods that accompanied
them also give cause to discuss the social status of the
deceased and their possible warrior activities. In one case
we may even be dealing with a female warrior, respec-
tively a participant in a campaign to England. The swords’
rare forms not only make them highly interesting from a
typological perspective but they also uniquely illustrate
the transition from paganism to Christianity during the
eleventh century.
Keywords:
Scandinavia;
England;
Finland;
Norway;
Viking-Age;
sword finds;
weapon graves;
female grave;
female warrior;
shieldmaiden;
Norse religion;
Christianisation;
raid;
campaign;
war
Research Interests:
European History, War Studies, Medieval Scandinavia, Viking Age Archaeology, Mythology (Old Norse Literature), and 17 moreViking Age Scandinavia, Old Norse Religion, Women warriors, Vikings, Viking Age, Amazons, Swords, Ancient Amazons, Christianisation of Scandinavia, Warrior burials, Viking Age Weapons, Women Warriors In World History, Viking Age and Medieval Western Norway: Christianisation Process, Weapon Graves, Viking Swords, Female Warriors, and Shieldmaiden
Dissertation in pähistorischer Archäologie. Doctoral thesis in prehistoric Archaeology.
Research Interests:
Die mittelalterlichen Stabkirchen im Norden Europas sind eine einzigartige Besonderheit. Sie zählen zum Weltkulturerbe und stehen unter dem Schutz der UNESCO. Viele dieser einst mehreren tausend Kirchen wurden durch eine regelrechte... more
Die mittelalterlichen Stabkirchen im Norden Europas sind eine einzigartige Besonderheit. Sie zählen zum Weltkulturerbe und stehen unter dem
Schutz der UNESCO. Viele dieser einst mehreren tausend Kirchen wurden durch eine regelrechte Abbruchwelle im 19. Jh. vernichtet. Die noch etwa 30 existierenden Exemplare dieser Holzbaukunst sind ein Muss für jeden Norwegen-Reisenden. Jährlich besuchen zehntausende Touristen diese mittelalterlichen Sehenswürdigkeiten. Trotz dieser offenkundigen Beliebtheit stellen sie ein Rätsel für die Forschung dar. Ihre Anfänge verlieren sich im Dunkel der Zeit. Wo diese einzigartige Architektur ihren Ursprung hat ist nicht geklärt.
Diese Kirchen beinhalten Elemente der europäischen Steinbaukunst. Die Ornamentik allerdings gehört zum germanischen Tierstil der Wikingerzeit und spricht somit eine deutlich nordische Formensprache. Ob diese Baukunst nun eine skandinavische Erfindung, z.B. die Weiterentwicklung der altnordischen Heiligtümer ist oder mit dem Christentum importiert wurde ist ein heftig debattiertes Topos für Archäologen, Historiker, Religions- und Kunstgeschichtler.
Seit mehr als 150 Jahren streitet die Wissenschaft heftig über die Ursprungsfrage. In diesem Buch sind archäologische, kunsthistorische, architektonische und geschichtliche Fakten zusammengetragen und methodisch evaluiert worden um zur Klärung Beitrag zu leisten.
The medieval stave churches in northern Europe are unique features. They belong to the world cultural heritage and are under UNESCO protection. Many of these once thousands of churches were destroyed by a veritable demolition wave in the 19th century. The about 30 existing specimen of wooden architecture are a must for any Norway traveler. Every year tens of thousands of tourists this medieval monuments. Despite this obvious popularity, they represent a mystery to research. Its origins are lost in the mists of time. Where this unique architecture has its origin is unclear. These churches include elements of European stone architecture. The ornamentation, however, belongs to the Germanic animal style of the Viking Age, and thus is a clear Nordic design. Whether this architecture is now a Scandinavian invention, for example, the development of Old Norse sanctuaries or was imported with Christianity is a fiercely debated topos for archaeologists, historians, art historians and scholars of religion. For more than 150 years, science argues vehemently over the question of origin. In this book, archaeological, art historical, architectural and historical facts have been gathered and methodically evaluated to afford to contribute to the clarification.
Schutz der UNESCO. Viele dieser einst mehreren tausend Kirchen wurden durch eine regelrechte Abbruchwelle im 19. Jh. vernichtet. Die noch etwa 30 existierenden Exemplare dieser Holzbaukunst sind ein Muss für jeden Norwegen-Reisenden. Jährlich besuchen zehntausende Touristen diese mittelalterlichen Sehenswürdigkeiten. Trotz dieser offenkundigen Beliebtheit stellen sie ein Rätsel für die Forschung dar. Ihre Anfänge verlieren sich im Dunkel der Zeit. Wo diese einzigartige Architektur ihren Ursprung hat ist nicht geklärt.
Diese Kirchen beinhalten Elemente der europäischen Steinbaukunst. Die Ornamentik allerdings gehört zum germanischen Tierstil der Wikingerzeit und spricht somit eine deutlich nordische Formensprache. Ob diese Baukunst nun eine skandinavische Erfindung, z.B. die Weiterentwicklung der altnordischen Heiligtümer ist oder mit dem Christentum importiert wurde ist ein heftig debattiertes Topos für Archäologen, Historiker, Religions- und Kunstgeschichtler.
Seit mehr als 150 Jahren streitet die Wissenschaft heftig über die Ursprungsfrage. In diesem Buch sind archäologische, kunsthistorische, architektonische und geschichtliche Fakten zusammengetragen und methodisch evaluiert worden um zur Klärung Beitrag zu leisten.
The medieval stave churches in northern Europe are unique features. They belong to the world cultural heritage and are under UNESCO protection. Many of these once thousands of churches were destroyed by a veritable demolition wave in the 19th century. The about 30 existing specimen of wooden architecture are a must for any Norway traveler. Every year tens of thousands of tourists this medieval monuments. Despite this obvious popularity, they represent a mystery to research. Its origins are lost in the mists of time. Where this unique architecture has its origin is unclear. These churches include elements of European stone architecture. The ornamentation, however, belongs to the Germanic animal style of the Viking Age, and thus is a clear Nordic design. Whether this architecture is now a Scandinavian invention, for example, the development of Old Norse sanctuaries or was imported with Christianity is a fiercely debated topos for archaeologists, historians, art historians and scholars of religion. For more than 150 years, science argues vehemently over the question of origin. In this book, archaeological, art historical, architectural and historical facts have been gathered and methodically evaluated to afford to contribute to the clarification.
Research Interests:
Die Thematik der prähistorischen Sakralbauten kann in Skandinavien auf eine lange Forschungstradition zurückblicken. Obwohl sich die Kultgebäude von Anfang an einer großen Beliebtheit erfreuten, blieb eine übergreifende oder gar kritische... more
Die Thematik der prähistorischen Sakralbauten kann in Skandinavien auf eine lange Forschungstradition zurückblicken. Obwohl sich die Kultgebäude von Anfang an einer großen Beliebtheit erfreuten, blieb eine übergreifende oder gar kritische Forschung weitgehend aus. Es existiert keine grundlegende Terminologie und die Situation der Chrono-logie ist problematisch. Längst nicht alle der nahezu siebzig bekannten Befunde sind datiert und wie sich herausstellte, sind definitiv nicht alle bronzezeitlich. Auch die Interpretation fiel bislang viel zu einseitig aus. Trotz der Abwesenheit von Bestattungen soll es sich mehrheitlich um Grab-und Totenhäuser gehandelt haben. Resultate rezenter Aus-grabungen aus Dänemark und Schweden geben deutliche Anhaltspunkte für komplexere Neuinterpretationen jung-bronzezeitlicher Strukturen. Au contrair zur traditionellen Deutung scheinen die Baubefunde vielmehr in den Kontext von ‚Ritualen des Lebens' zu gehören.
The issue of prehistoric cult-buildings has a long traditon in Scandinavia research history. Although the toppic enjoyed great popularity since the 1900s and before that, an overarching or even critical research is lacking largely. There is no basic terminology and the situation of the chronology is problematic . By no means all of the nearly seventy known features are dated and as it turned out , definitely not all of them can be dated into the Bronze Age. The interpretation so far was much too one-sided . Despite the absence of burials the features were said to have served mainly as grave and dead houses. Results of recent excavations from Denmark and Sweden give clear indications for more complex interpretations. Au contrair to the traditional interpretation, many of these archaeological remains seem to belong rather in the context of , rituals of life' tham in the sphere of the dead.
Julia Mattes, Rituelle Räume. Bronzezeitliche Kultbauten in Südskandinavien. In:
B. Horejs - T. Kienlin (Hrsg.), Siedlung und Handwerk. Studien zu sozialen
Kontexten in der Bronzezeit. Sitzungen der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Bronzezeit in
Schleswig 2007 und Mannheim 2008. Universitätsforschungen zur Prähistorischen Archäologie, UPA, (Bochum 2010).
The issue of prehistoric cult-buildings has a long traditon in Scandinavia research history. Although the toppic enjoyed great popularity since the 1900s and before that, an overarching or even critical research is lacking largely. There is no basic terminology and the situation of the chronology is problematic . By no means all of the nearly seventy known features are dated and as it turned out , definitely not all of them can be dated into the Bronze Age. The interpretation so far was much too one-sided . Despite the absence of burials the features were said to have served mainly as grave and dead houses. Results of recent excavations from Denmark and Sweden give clear indications for more complex interpretations. Au contrair to the traditional interpretation, many of these archaeological remains seem to belong rather in the context of , rituals of life' tham in the sphere of the dead.
Julia Mattes, Rituelle Räume. Bronzezeitliche Kultbauten in Südskandinavien. In:
B. Horejs - T. Kienlin (Hrsg.), Siedlung und Handwerk. Studien zu sozialen
Kontexten in der Bronzezeit. Sitzungen der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Bronzezeit in
Schleswig 2007 und Mannheim 2008. Universitätsforschungen zur Prähistorischen Archäologie, UPA, (Bochum 2010).
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT This paper presents archaeological examples of visible aspects of the urban mind. Sites in northern, western and central Europe are used to illustrate different facets of the early urban mind and the links to sedentism, ecology... more
ABSTRACT
This paper presents archaeological examples of visible aspects of the urban mind. Sites in northern, western and central Europe are used to illustrate different facets of the early urban mind and the links to sedentism, ecology and climate change.
Like the global population of today, the Neolithic people had to confront changes
in climate as well as the fact that ‘modern life’ caused environmental degradation. The transition from a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle to sedentism and farming radically influenced and changed the landscape and had a destructive impact on the surrounding ecosystems.
Following the geographical dispersion of this process, the chapter begins with the
Fertile Crescent and moves across eastern central Europe to middle Germany and then to selected places linked by the phenomena mentioned below. Archaeological sites in the Orkney Islands of northern Scotland, the pile dwellings of the circum-Alpine region and sites in eastern middle Sweden all represent instances of early sedentary life, house and road building, the invention of wheeled transport, and community networking. Last but not least cultic rituals of the Stone Age are presented, and their cognitive background as part of early human identity is discussed.
This paper presents archaeological examples of visible aspects of the urban mind. Sites in northern, western and central Europe are used to illustrate different facets of the early urban mind and the links to sedentism, ecology and climate change.
Like the global population of today, the Neolithic people had to confront changes
in climate as well as the fact that ‘modern life’ caused environmental degradation. The transition from a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle to sedentism and farming radically influenced and changed the landscape and had a destructive impact on the surrounding ecosystems.
Following the geographical dispersion of this process, the chapter begins with the
Fertile Crescent and moves across eastern central Europe to middle Germany and then to selected places linked by the phenomena mentioned below. Archaeological sites in the Orkney Islands of northern Scotland, the pile dwellings of the circum-Alpine region and sites in eastern middle Sweden all represent instances of early sedentary life, house and road building, the invention of wheeled transport, and community networking. Last but not least cultic rituals of the Stone Age are presented, and their cognitive background as part of early human identity is discussed.
Research Interests:
Die mittelalterlichen Stabkirchen im Norden Europas sind eine einzigartige Besonderheit. Sie zählen zum Weltkulturerbe und stehen unter dem Schutz der UNESCO. Viele dieser einst mehreren tausend Kirchen wurden durch eine regelrechte... more
Die mittelalterlichen Stabkirchen im Norden Europas sind eine einzigartige Besonderheit. Sie zählen zum Weltkulturerbe und stehen unter dem
Schutz der UNESCO. Viele dieser einst mehreren tausend Kirchen wurden durch eine regelrechte Abbruchwelle im 19. Jh. vernichtet. Die noch etwa 30 existierenden Exemplare dieser Holzbaukunst sind ein Muss für jeden Norwegen-Reisenden. Jährlich besuchen zehntausende Touristen diese mittelalterlichen Sehenswürdigkeiten. Trotz dieser offenkundigen Beliebtheit stellen sie ein Rätsel für die Forschung dar. Ihre Anfänge verlieren sich im Dunkel der Zeit. Wo diese einzigartige Architektur ihren Ursprung hat ist nicht geklärt.
Diese Kirchen beinhalten Elemente der europäischen Steinbaukunst. Die Ornamentik allerdings gehört zum germanischen Tierstil der Wikingerzeit und spricht somit eine deutlich nordische Formensprache. Ob diese Baukunst nun eine skandinavische Erfindung, z.B. die Weiterentwicklung der altnordischen Heiligtümer ist oder mit dem Christentum importiert wurde ist ein heftig debattiertes Topos für Archäologen, Historiker, Religions- und Kunstgeschichtler.
Seit mehr als 150 Jahren streitet die Wissenschaft heftig über die Ursprungsfrage. In diesem Buch sind archäologische, kunsthistorische, architektonische und geschichtliche Fakten zusammengetragen und methodisch evaluiert worden um zur Klärung Beitrag zu leisten.
The medieval stave churches in northern Europe are unique features. They belong to the world cultural heritage and are under UNESCO protection. Many of these once thousands of churches were destroyed by a veritable demolition wave in the 19th century. The about 30 existing specimen of wooden architecture are a must for any Norway traveler. Every year tens of thousands of tourists this medieval monuments. Despite this obvious popularity, they represent a mystery to research. Its origins are lost in the mists of time. Where this unique architecture has its origin is unclear. These churches include elements of European stone architecture. The ornamentation, however, belongs to the Germanic animal style of the Viking Age, and thus is a clear Nordic design. Whether this architecture is now a Scandinavian invention, for example, the development of Old Norse sanctuaries or was imported with Christianity is a fiercely debated topos for archaeologists, historians, art historians and scholars of religion. For more than 150 years, science argues vehemently over the question of origin. In this book, archaeological, art historical, architectural and historical facts have been gathered and methodically evaluated to afford to contribute to the clarification.
Schutz der UNESCO. Viele dieser einst mehreren tausend Kirchen wurden durch eine regelrechte Abbruchwelle im 19. Jh. vernichtet. Die noch etwa 30 existierenden Exemplare dieser Holzbaukunst sind ein Muss für jeden Norwegen-Reisenden. Jährlich besuchen zehntausende Touristen diese mittelalterlichen Sehenswürdigkeiten. Trotz dieser offenkundigen Beliebtheit stellen sie ein Rätsel für die Forschung dar. Ihre Anfänge verlieren sich im Dunkel der Zeit. Wo diese einzigartige Architektur ihren Ursprung hat ist nicht geklärt.
Diese Kirchen beinhalten Elemente der europäischen Steinbaukunst. Die Ornamentik allerdings gehört zum germanischen Tierstil der Wikingerzeit und spricht somit eine deutlich nordische Formensprache. Ob diese Baukunst nun eine skandinavische Erfindung, z.B. die Weiterentwicklung der altnordischen Heiligtümer ist oder mit dem Christentum importiert wurde ist ein heftig debattiertes Topos für Archäologen, Historiker, Religions- und Kunstgeschichtler.
Seit mehr als 150 Jahren streitet die Wissenschaft heftig über die Ursprungsfrage. In diesem Buch sind archäologische, kunsthistorische, architektonische und geschichtliche Fakten zusammengetragen und methodisch evaluiert worden um zur Klärung Beitrag zu leisten.
The medieval stave churches in northern Europe are unique features. They belong to the world cultural heritage and are under UNESCO protection. Many of these once thousands of churches were destroyed by a veritable demolition wave in the 19th century. The about 30 existing specimen of wooden architecture are a must for any Norway traveler. Every year tens of thousands of tourists this medieval monuments. Despite this obvious popularity, they represent a mystery to research. Its origins are lost in the mists of time. Where this unique architecture has its origin is unclear. These churches include elements of European stone architecture. The ornamentation, however, belongs to the Germanic animal style of the Viking Age, and thus is a clear Nordic design. Whether this architecture is now a Scandinavian invention, for example, the development of Old Norse sanctuaries or was imported with Christianity is a fiercely debated topos for archaeologists, historians, art historians and scholars of religion. For more than 150 years, science argues vehemently over the question of origin. In this book, archaeological, art historical, architectural and historical facts have been gathered and methodically evaluated to afford to contribute to the clarification.
Research Interests:
Dissertation in pähistorischer Archäologie. Doctoral thesis in prehistoric Archaeology.