Loom weights have been found all over the world and there are clear regional distinctions in shape and size, but a few types like conical weights seem to be used repeatedly in most regions. In the...Show moreLoom weights have been found all over the world and there are clear regional distinctions in shape and size, but a few types like conical weights seem to be used repeatedly in most regions. In the European Iron Age, a new type of loom weight is introduced with a flat triangular shape and perforations through the corners and often through the centre of the weight. The introduction of this new type of weight is reason for a big discussion. The generally accepted hypothesis on the function of triangular loom weights comes from Loewe (1971, 35, footnote 66), in which he describes how the triangular weights with three perforations were used to secure a bundle of warp threads, making it easier to fabricate longer pieces of textile and rolling the textile up for storing purposes. This presumably gave the triangular weights an advantage over the earlier conical and pyramidal weights. However, some archaeologists disapprove of this assessment of function, they presume a function as net sinker or spanner for hides is more likable. The research of this thesis shows that these objects show a large number of characteristics that are purely necessary for the function as loom weight. Therefore, a primary function as loom weight is accepted.Show less
The entrance to a house has an important symbolical or mythological meaning in a great number of cultures around the world. When the placement of an entrance differs depending on the region in...Show moreThe entrance to a house has an important symbolical or mythological meaning in a great number of cultures around the world. When the placement of an entrance differs depending on the region in which it is found, it may indicate a different use and symbolic meaning. The aim of this research is therefore to search for functional differences and cultural values in the placement of an entrance using ethnographic examples, and determine whether these differences were also present during the Middle Bronze Age in the Netherlands. Broadly two different kinds of cultural value can be recognised, one that is related to an opposite meaning, or one that has a restricted use. Each of the selected study area’s shares similar constructional, geographical and external conditions with one other study area. The houses from the river area and West-Frisia show strong resemblances in the placement and appearance of the entrances. This could be related to a broadly shared cultural value. In the south, north and east of the Netherlands there does not seem to be a strong consensus related to the appearance and placement of entrances, despite of the similarities seen in the constructional characteristics of the houses, although this may be due to the lack of reliable data from this area. In conclusion, just as is seen in the ethnographic examples, the Bronze Age houses know differences in the placement of entrances related to a functional motivation or cultural value as well.Show less
This paper attempts to answer the question of why sacrificial rituals were present within the cultures of Iron Age Northern Europe and to what extent human sacrifice in particular was a part of such...Show moreThis paper attempts to answer the question of why sacrificial rituals were present within the cultures of Iron Age Northern Europe and to what extent human sacrifice in particular was a part of such rituals. The assertion is made that sacrificial rituals as a concept represent a common thread woven into the fabric of human culture which manifests itself in different ways but can be observed cross-culturally and throughout time. Human sacrifice, although it represents the most extreme example of the ritualized sacrifice phenomenon can be observed in cultures around the globe. An in depth analysis of the concept of ritual is explored along with an attempt to define the parameters of the phenomenon in terms of how it applied to the culture of Pre-Roman Iron Age and Iron Age Northern Europe. This paper also explores the environmental conditions needed in order for a bog body to be preserved, with specific interest in the key element in the equation of preservation: sphagnan moss. The methods of dating bog bodies are analyzed, with radiocarbon dating usually being the most reliable and accurate. The cultural and spiritual characteristics of the ancient Germanic peoples are also examined as they are related to and give considerable insight into the reasons behind the practices of human sacrifice. A description is made of the various bog bodies which have been discovered and categorized as victims of this behavior and an analysis of the suspected reasons behind their deaths is also presented. Finally, along with the probable reasons behind the question of why a culture might practice human sacrifice and why the ancient Germans in particular engaged in such rituals, an assessment of the various approaches taken to study such things and archaeology in general is also presented.Show less
In 1933 the so-called chieftain’s burial of Oss was found. It dates from the Early Iron Age, or Hallstatt C-period, in the second half of the 7th century BC. This rich grave, of which the cremation...Show moreIn 1933 the so-called chieftain’s burial of Oss was found. It dates from the Early Iron Age, or Hallstatt C-period, in the second half of the 7th century BC. This rich grave, of which the cremation rests and grave goods were deposited in a bronze situla, included different imported artefacts from Central Europe. In the 1960’s it became clear that a number of these objects were parts of horse gear. In the past decades, all the objects from the chieftain’s grave of Oss have been published. Nevertheless, these publications generally only included a description of the finds. Function, context, and an analysis of the objects are now presented within this thesis for the first time. All objects from Oss that can be assigned as horse gear are described together with typological parallels and their distribution throughout Europe. Oss contains components of two bridles and a yoke. It is now clear that most parallels of the objects are found in Bohemia, Bavaria and the area north of the Alps. A total of 13 object-categories of horse gear, dating from the Hallstatt C-period, have been used for a statistical analysis. It compares the inventory of the horse gear from Oss with that of 59 others. It is now evident that the inventory of Oss includes relatively many object-categories. About 80% of the other inventories contained less. It can therefore be concluded that the inventory of Oss is one of the richest in its kind. The most common objects are the bits and cheek-pieces. The experience of three equestrian professionals was used for a contemporary approach on the horse gear from Oss. New technical aspects came to light: the grooves on the bars of the bits are functional. They are not cruel, as sometimes is stated. Some horses play more with such a bit in their mouth and therefore accept them more easily. Furthermore, because of the grooves more saliva is produced. Finally, old reconstructions of Hallstatt C-bridles do not attribute any technical function to the curved ends of the cheek-pieces. Within this thesis a new reconstruction of the bridle has been made which includes a functional element of the cheek-pieces: they could have been used for the attachment of reins. This was also underlined by the comments of the equestrian professionals.Show less
