Scandinavian figurines: relatives of the gold foil figures, and a new find from Old Uppsala

Scandinavian figurines : relatives of the gold foil figures, and a new find from Old Uppsala

This paper argues that figurines of gold or (gilded) copper alloy, particularly from the 5th to 7th centuries, can contribute to a better understanding of the gold foil figures. It discusses examplars dating from Late Roman Iron Age, Migration, and Vendel period Scandinavia, especially those from Slipshavn in Funen, Gudum in Zealand, and Guldhullet/Smørenge in Bornholm, all in Denmark, as well as those from Kymbo in Västergötland and Lunda in Södermanland, Sweden, and compares them with gold foil figures. A unique gilded example from the late 7th or early 8th century – so small that it is equal in size to a gold foil figure – recently found in a female burial situated near the royal seat of Old Uppsala in Uppland, Sweden, is also discussed in detail. The figurines relate in posture, gesture, and attributes to the single gold foil figures but not to gold foil figural pairs. Pendants from the 6th to 8th centuries on the other hand, such as those from Kville in Bohuslän and Tuna in Alsike in Uppland and Norsborg in Södermanland, Sweden, allude in gesture, dress, and attributes to both single gold foil figures as well as to gold foil figures depicting pairs. The attributes and gestures of the figurines connect with the pre-Christian cult. If considered in a contemporary Christian European iconography, they would have signalled awe and divine epiphany.

In:Gold foil figures in focus: a Scandinavian find group and related objects and images from ancient and medieval EuropeMünchen : Verlag Dr. Friedrich Pfeil, s. 105-1299783899372496

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