Forging History: Spade-Shaped Currency Bars, History and Identity in Central Norrland
In central Norrland a large number of spade-shaped currency bars have been recovered. Currency bars have been produced since the introduction of iron technology in the late pre-Roman Iron Age, which roughly coincides with the introduction of agriculture. It is suggested that the shape of the bars i...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Svenska Arkeologiska Samfundet
2010-12-01
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| Series: | Current Swedish Archaeology |
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| Online Access: | https://193.10.12.85:443/csa/article/view/568 |
| Summary: | In central Norrland a large number of spade-shaped currency bars have been recovered. Currency bars have been produced since the introduction of iron technology in the late pre-Roman Iron Age, which roughly coincides with the introduction of agriculture. It is suggested that the shape of the bars is referential to the socketed axe, due to the importance of the latter during this period of change. The currency bars were therefore associated with a mythical history and local identity. The youngest 14C-date shows that the bars became part of narratives that remained relevant throughout much of the Iron Age, up until the Viking Age.
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| ISSN: | 1102-7355 2002-3901 |