SLAGEN KVARTS I GRAVKONTEXTER – Ett konstruktionsmaterial eller en bit av en eskatologisk föreställningsvärld ?

Abstract

This essay discusses the problems concerning worked quartz in grave contexts during the Bronze Age and the Iron Age in Scandinavia. The aim is to get a better understanding about the ritual praxis of quartz found in graves. I have primarily used literature and earlier excavation reports about this topic. Worked quartz is known from the all over the world and has been used in different ritual ceremonies during prehistoric times. Large amounts of quartz have been found in graves, sometimes up to several hundred kilos in one grave. Why worked quartz was placed in graves is yet to be determined, but several archaeologists believe it could have had a magical or a holy mythological meaning. It could also be connected to fertility. Most scholars agree that further studies about the function of worked quartz are warranted.