Ellen 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.

If you could peak through a hole in time, would you look to the past or the future? This wealthy woman, wearing bronze adornments from the Hjälmared hoard would probably look forward. In this interpretation, the spiral pin is forming a part of her elegant, braided hairstyle. A Wendelring is decorating her neck, shining like gold from the higher tin content. Inspired by the current Central European fashion, the luxurious wool garment consists of a tube dress known as a peplos, fastened by two pins by the shoulders. The fabric, originally grey in color has been dyed to a rusty red with madder. Inspired by contemporary Danish finds, the spiral ’hook’ has been attached to one of the chains across the chest.

Apart from a beautiful Hallstatt band, her waist is accentuated by two Hohlwulstrings and a knife with an iron blade (yes, the hoard also contained iron fragments!). In a small number of female burials in Austria and Bayern, hollow bronze rings have been found by the hip area, some with textile residues, suggesting they could’ve been attached to a belt. Finally, the spiral beads could’ve been worn as bracelets.

Aquarelle, 56*76 cm. The painting is included in the exhibition ”Forever Bronze - the life, death and resurrection of the Hjälmared hoard” at Vitlycke museum. Thank you to my dear friend Ellen who time traveled from 1500 BC to c.600 BC to model again for me!