Coralie, 600 BC

In the spring of 2021, a magnificent bronze treasure was discovered on a mountain side in western Sweden by chance by a man while making maps for his orienteering club. Archaeological excavations and subsequent dating revealed that the 50-something artifacts had been deposited at least 2600 years prior, making them part of one of the largest Late Bronze Age hoards ever recovered in Sweden. The adornments, primarily female, are as mysterious as they are captivating regarding their possible functions. For the exhibition at Vitlycke museum, two interpretations have been produced, including the garments.

This powerful woman is wearing three so-called Hohlwulstring(s) around her wrist and ankles, a rather common traditional interpretation (although probably very impractical). The spiral pin may have had the function of a large fibulae, inspired by much earlier finds from the alpine region. To demonstrate her position and cultural heritage, she is also wearing two flat neck rings, and holding a socketed axe.

Regarding clothing from this phase in time, we know very little. People in Scandinavia generally cremated their loved ones after death, and the only surviving garments are from the earlier oak log coffin burials, dated to c.1468-1266 BC. Although the fashion might be slightly out-dated, she is wearing similar attires as the ones found in these burials, but with a modern touch. The blouse is made of linen, and her long woolen skirt and cloak have been dyed with a combination of birch leaves and reed, along with madder respectively. The decorative edge of the skirt, as well as the belt are known as Hallstatt bands. Generally well-preserved from the Austrian salt mines, these types date to c.800-400 BC. Although the bronze objects alone may work as indicators of great wealth of their wearer(s), we need to keep in mind that wool textiles had approximately the same, if not higher value than copper.

Aquarelle, 56*76 cm. The illustration is included in the exhibition “Forever Bronze - the life, death and resurrection of the Hjälmared hoard” at Vitlycke museum. Thank you so much to Coralie Myrkra staðr who modeled for me!