Fågelvägen och fågelsägen. En multi-proxy analys av människans relation till fåglar under den yngre järnåldern i Mellansverige

Abstract

Prior research in human bird relations is relatively small and discussion about bird ecology in relation to humans is largely not discussed. The study means to understand how a difference in usage of birds and symbolization of a bird occurs. This will be answered through analysis of two bird species. The study uses three different sources of material to conclude its answers. The sources are graves with bones of predatory birds, material culture representing bird motifs and historical sources discussing mythology. Through two different theoretical frameworks that affect animal agency and the relation between a species and humans on a long-term basis. The theories are called social zooarchaeology and biocultural heritage. The result of the study concludes that bird species become symbols because of diverse behaviors.