Michaela Helmbrecht
Lund University, Archaelogy, Alumnus
- Vendel period, Viking Age Archaeology, Early Medieval Archaeology, Archaeology, Archaeological Method & Theory, Experimental Archaeology, and 22 moreHistory, Archaelogy, Gender Studies, Material Culture Studies, Visual Semiotics, Archaeology of Ritual and Magic, Viking Age Scandinavia, Viking Studies, Merovingian and Carolingian, Perceptions of the Past, Carolingian Art, Scandinavian Studies, Viking Age, Vikings, Icelandic Sagas, Religious and Magical Practices, Early Medieval Period, Runic inscriptions, Scandinavia (Archaeology), Runestones, Gotlandic picture stones, and Gold Foil Figures (Guldgubbar)edit
- My research interests focus on Scandinavia in the Vendel and Viking Periods. I am especially interested in prehistori... moreMy research interests focus on Scandinavia in the Vendel and Viking Periods. I am especially interested in prehistoric pictures and their contexts. Another field of interest and research is Southern Germany in the Merovingian and Carolingian Periods.edit
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The most important aspect of the gold foil figures is their iconography. That is why the main objective of the workshop in Schleswig was to find answers to the following questions: do the gold foil figures’ iconographical roots lie mainly... more
The most important aspect of the gold foil figures is their iconography. That is why the main objective of the workshop in Schleswig was to find answers to the following questions: do the gold foil figures’ iconographical roots lie mainly in earlier Scandinavian imagery (and society/religion), or were they triggered and/or affected by foreign influences? Whatever the answers are, they surely will offer clues regarding the meaning and significance of the pieces and their general interpretation. Through the workshop’s lectures and especially the discussions among the scholars from different fields of research,
many aspects regarding the tiny foils were brought together and re-assessed. Further, intriguing thoughts as well as some surprising answers to the main questions (and some other questions as well)
emerged. The overall results concerning imagery, material, political and religious relevance, use, and function are summarised in this chapter.
many aspects regarding the tiny foils were brought together and re-assessed. Further, intriguing thoughts as well as some surprising answers to the main questions (and some other questions as well)
emerged. The overall results concerning imagery, material, political and religious relevance, use, and function are summarised in this chapter.
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This paper presents an overview of figural representations made in repoussé technique from the 6th and 7th century Eastern Merovingian Empire. The focus is primarily on the finds that have close parallels in Nordic figural art, like the... more
This paper presents an overview of figural representations made in repoussé technique from the 6th and 7th century Eastern Merovingian Empire. The focus is primarily on the finds that have close parallels in Nordic figural art, like the helmet panels from Vendel and Valsgärde. In this context, two decorated strap end mounts from Bavaria are discussed that have come to light only recently.
The striking similarities between some Merovingian Period figural imagery and Vendel Period repoussé works have been noticed before. Through the present compilation, it becomes clear that the gold foil figures belong to this horizon, due to the resemblance of details such as the clothing, the legs, and the way the figures’ heads are depicted. However, there are no exact parallels to the gold foil figure motifs in the Continental material. Its imagery – known both in the North and the South – features warriors with a variety of weapons, unlike the (mostly weaponless) gold foil figures.
The striking similarities between some Merovingian Period figural imagery and Vendel Period repoussé works have been noticed before. Through the present compilation, it becomes clear that the gold foil figures belong to this horizon, due to the resemblance of details such as the clothing, the legs, and the way the figures’ heads are depicted. However, there are no exact parallels to the gold foil figure motifs in the Continental material. Its imagery – known both in the North and the South – features warriors with a variety of weapons, unlike the (mostly weaponless) gold foil figures.
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This paper investigates the relationship of the gold foil figures to the corpus of figural art of the 6th–7th centuries in Scandinavia. The gold foil figures are compared to animal ornamentation, to depictions of faces, and to scenic... more
This paper investigates the relationship of the gold foil figures to the corpus of figural art of the 6th–7th centuries in Scandinavia. The gold foil figures are compared to animal ornamentation, to depictions of faces, and to scenic representations, mainly the pressed foils of the so-called Vendel helmets. The gold foil figures show clear similarities with the scenic representations, both in style and the way the heads and the clothes are depicted. The gold foil figures’ pictorial motifs are special, though: in contrast to the scenic depictions, there are no weapons. The scenic images on the helmets can provide some important clues to the dating of the gold foil figures. It is demonstrated that the gold foil figures
and the depictions on the helmets bear witness to different communication situations (settings) during the 6th–7th centuries. Furthermore, the ‘survival’ and transfer of some pictorial motifs from the gold foil figures into the imagery of Viking Period pendants is investigated.
and the depictions on the helmets bear witness to different communication situations (settings) during the 6th–7th centuries. Furthermore, the ‘survival’ and transfer of some pictorial motifs from the gold foil figures into the imagery of Viking Period pendants is investigated.
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Dieser Beitrag handelt von den anthropomorphen Darstellungen des 6.-8. Jahrhunderts: Bildmotive, zentrale Bildthemen, theoretisch-methodische Überlegungen zu Begrenzungen und Möglichkeiten der Interpretation von Bildern in Kulturen mit... more
Dieser Beitrag handelt von den anthropomorphen Darstellungen des 6.-8. Jahrhunderts: Bildmotive, zentrale Bildthemen, theoretisch-methodische Überlegungen zu Begrenzungen und Möglichkeiten der Interpretation von Bildern in Kulturen mit mündlicher Überlieferung.
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A study on the Early Gripping Beast style (the earliest Viking Age style): a chronological, typological and topological analysis
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During recent excavations at Uppåkra in Scania, Sweden, an exceptional mount in the shape of a winged figure was found. The figure is unique not only because of its exquisite craftsmanship, but also because of its iconography. It is... more
During recent excavations at Uppåkra in Scania, Sweden, an exceptional mount in the shape of a winged figure was found. The figure is unique not only because of its exquisite craftsmanship, but also because of its iconography. It is argued that the mount was produced in the 10th century A.D., and that it features Wayland the Smith.
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Some general thoughts on the responsibility of archaeologists when dealing with the past - issues like "debts" to society, search of identities and others.
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At the 14th Saga Conference, Carrie Roy presented a paper on the meaning of the gripping- beast motif in Viking Period culture. Roy levels serious criticism against her peers, including the co-authors of this note, declaring them victims... more
At the 14th Saga Conference, Carrie Roy presented a paper on the meaning of the gripping- beast motif in Viking Period culture. Roy levels serious criticism against her peers, including the co-authors of this note, declaring them victims of their own subjectivity. The three of us have contributed equally to the following reply.
Research Interests: History, Archaeology, Iconography, Humanities, Research Methodology, and 15 moreMaterial Culture Studies, Viking Age Archaeology, Ekphrasis, Debate, Old Norse Religion, Viking, Scaldic Poetry, Edda, Gripping Beast, Animal Style, Saga conference, Saga Konferenz, Sagakonferens, Greiftier, and Gripdjur
A study on the Early Gripping Beast style (the earliest Viking Age style): a chronological, typological and topological analysis
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s der Vorträge Donnerstag, 17. Mai 2012 15.30 Die Archäologie im Bildungswesen in Deutschland. Fragen und Wünsche an die Archäologie aus der Praxis Dr. Peter Lautzas, Mainz In dem Beitrag werden, ausgehend von Überlegungen und bereits... more
s der Vorträge Donnerstag, 17. Mai 2012 15.30 Die Archäologie im Bildungswesen in Deutschland. Fragen und Wünsche an die Archäologie aus der Praxis Dr. Peter Lautzas, Mainz In dem Beitrag werden, ausgehend von Überlegungen und bereits gemachten praktischen Erfahrungen des Geschichtslehrerverbandes, einige Aspekte für eine umfangreiche Berücksichtigung der Urund Frühgeschichte im Bildungsbereich skizziert sowie konkrete Vorschläge genannt, in welcher Weise diese im schulischen Rahmen zu realisieren wären. Ergänzt werden diese Vorschläge durch Hinweise, unter welchen organisatorischen Rahmenbedingungen und mit Hilfe welcher Institutionen das durchgeführt werden könnte. Der Verband bietet eine Zusammenarbeit in der Form an, dass eine gemeinsame Arbeitsgruppe von ArchäologInnen und LehrerInnen sich dieser Thematik annehmen, Ziele formulieren und Module inhaltlich erarbeiten könnte. Dr. Peter Lautzas, Bettelpfad 46, D-55130 Mainz, +49 (0)6131/83 25 33, p.lautzas@gmx.de 16.00 Archäologie ...
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Aus einem Frauengrab (Grab 209) des Graberfelds in Rain am Lech stammt ein Paar Pressblechriemenzungen mit Tierstil- und Kriegerdarstellungen. Das Grab ist durch fruhmittelalterliche Graboffnung stark gestort; die verbliebenen Funde... more
Aus einem Frauengrab (Grab 209) des Graberfelds in Rain am Lech stammt ein Paar Pressblechriemenzungen mit Tierstil- und Kriegerdarstellungen. Das Grab ist durch fruhmittelalterliche Graboffnung stark gestort; die verbliebenen Funde umfassen neben der Pressblechwadenbindengarnitur Teile des Gurtelgehanges, darunter eine Zierscheibe mit Elfenbeinring und Fragmente einer Stangengliederkette sowie eine ungewohnliche kleine Fibel; sie erlauben eine Datierung des Grabes in die erste Halfte bis um die Mitte des 7. Jahrhunderts. Ein besonderer Schwerpunkt des Artikels liegt auf den Riemenzungen mit den figurlichen Darstellungen. Sie werden im Lichte von Vergleichsfunden diskutiert, und es werden Uberlegungen zur Bedeutung des Motivs angestellt.
A general overview of the animal styles I and II during the Merovingian Age in Southern Germany.
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SwePub titelinformation: "Wos ham´s´nog´habt?" - Zur Kleidung der Frauen im 6. und 7. Jahrhundert.
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Research Interests: History, Archaeology, Iconography, Research Methodology, Viking Age Archaeology, and 15 moreEkphrasis, Dress and Personal Adornment (Archaeology), Debate, Old Norse Religion, Vikings, Viking art, Scaldic Poetry, Edda, Viking ornament, Gripping Beast, Animal Style, Saga conference, Saga Konferenz, Sagakonferens, and Viking Art
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This article deals with depictions of humans during the Vendel and Viking Age. While in earlier research, the iconographic approach has been predominant, the point of departure here are the functions pictures may have had in oral... more
This article deals with depictions of humans during the Vendel and Viking Age. While in earlier research, the iconographic approach has been predominant, the point of departure here are the functions pictures may have had in oral societies. As a new approach, the method of context analysis is presented. The main question is how depictions have been used differently by different social groups. In the following part, a case study is presented. Objects with the motif "man or woman with horned headgear" and their find-contexts are analyzed. The motif-group can be divided in chronologically and spatially different sub-groups. In the Vendel Period, the pictures are linked to a male elite-warrior sphere. In the Viking Age, the motif was also used by women. Furthermore, figurines with the motif played a role at certain central places. This indicates a change in the ritual practice of religion. On this basis, it is suggested that the motif may have had varying meanings, depending on the situational context. (Less)
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Ute Arents & Silke Eisenschmidt. Die Gräber von Haithabu (Die Ausgrabungen in Haithabu 15. Band). 368 pages, 110 illustrations, 11 colour maps, 16 tables (Vol. 1); 430 pages, 129 pages of plates with b&w & colour illustrations, 4 maps inset in back cover (Vol. 2). 2010. Neumünster: Wachholtz; 978...more
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Review (in German) of: Egon Wamers (Hrsg.), Der Tassilo-Liutpirc-Kelch im Stift Kremsmünster. Geschichte - Archäologie - Kunst. Schriften des Archäologischen Museums Frankfurt 32 (Regensburg 2019).