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Gold Nordic figurine

Unique Nordic Iron Age gold figurine found in Denmark

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A field on the island of Bornholm in Denmark has been the site of a number of interesting archaeological finds, namely the discovery of golden figurines dating back to the Iron Age, and now the first female figurine has emerged bringing the total to five. 

The first figurine was found in the Smørenge field on Bornholm back in 2009, together with a number of other artifacts, and another three were discovered in 2012. Now a fifth in the series has been uncovered and while the first four all depict men, the latest finding is of a naked woman.

The figurine is only 4.2 cm tall and weighs 3 grams. The woman has a long and slender body, an elongated head and a protruding jaw. The arms are stretched and the thumbs are pressed together.  On the stomach is a decorated belt with a zig-zag pattern, bearing the mark of quality craftsmanship.

Naked female figurines are a rarity in Nordic Iron Age art, where male figurines dominated and archaeologists believe it represents a symbol of fertility and health.

All five of the golden figurines were found within 15 metres of each other and it is believed that they were buried in the same place at some point during the 6 th century AD.  Further excavation works are planned to see what else lies waiting to be discovered in the Danish field.

By April Holloway

 
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April

April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan.

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