Abstract: Humans have developed a special relationship with some animal species throughout histor... more Abstract: Humans have developed a special relationship with some animal species throughout history, even though these animals were never domesticated. Based on raptors, bears, beavers, and elks, the question of whether there are similarities between the perception of these animals that triggered a special kind of fascination in humans and how the relationship between humans and these animals changed between Mesolithic age and medieval times is addressed. As we demonstrate, the categorical antagonism between ‘animal’ and ‘human’ is a concept that saw different kinds of influence, from the advent of sedentarism and husbandry to Christianity and from philosophical thinking in Classical Antiquity and the Period of Enlightenment. In prehistory and early history, we find different, opposing world views across time, cultures, and periods. Differences between animals and humans have been considered as fluid, and humans have had to engage with animals and their needs. The well-known and famous ‘bear ceremonies’ attested to different peoples and times were not unique, but were a part of belief systems that also included other animal species. Among the considered animals, certain raptor species attracted the attention of humans who tried to establish contact with them, as companions, whereas bears were almost ‘disguised humans’ due to all their similarities with humans, but they were also tabooed beings whose real names had to be avoided.
Beast and Human - Facets of a Multi-Layered Rekalationship from Past to Recent Times, with an Emphasis on Northern Europe , 2023
In the present paper, emphasis is laid upon burials with actual or assumed bear skins from northe... more In the present paper, emphasis is laid upon burials with actual or assumed bear skins from northern Europe. This relates to mainly Migration Period inhumation burials in Norway and Sweden (AD 375/400 to 550/575), whereas other bear-related furnishings (frequently claws [or rather third phalanges], rarely teeth) found in northern and central European Iron Age graves will not be considered. All in all, there is a maximum of only 15 burials with bear skin remains known from Norway and Sweden (a few more from Finland notwithstanding). This is statistically meaningless, and each new find may change the entire picture (see postscriptum). Furthermore, most finds came to light in the second half of the 19th and the early 20th century – that is, in the early days of archaeology, using rather rough excavation techniques when compared to present-day standards. Against all odds, however, a closer look at the burials with bear skins leads to somewhat surprising insights into social and gender aspects. Some graves are among the richest of their time, in cases of both male individuals (“warriors”) and one female. The oldest burial (160/180–325), one from Gotland, is also that of a female. Among the earliest of these graves in Norway (325–375/400), there is yet another one of a woman that is, quite remarkably, located in the far north of the country.
'Bear and Human - Facets of a Multi-Layered Relationship from Past to Recent Times, with an Emphasis on Northern Europe', 2023
The present paper serves as introduction, discussion and synthesis for proceedings on 'Bear and H... more The present paper serves as introduction, discussion and synthesis for proceedings on 'Bear and Human - Facets of a Multi-Layered Relationship from Past to Recent Times, with an Emphasis on Northern Europe' (Turnhout 2023)
Mitteilungen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Archäologie des Mittelalters und der Neuzeit 35, 2022, 23-35 , 2022
Falknerei, die Jagd mit abgetragenenen Greifvögeln und Audruck einer besonderen Beziehung zwische... more Falknerei, die Jagd mit abgetragenenen Greifvögeln und Audruck einer besonderen Beziehung zwischen Vogel und Mensch, steht in einer langen Tradition und ist von der UNESCO als Immaterielles Kulturerbe der Menschheit anerkannt. Der Artikel beschäftigt sich mit mitteleuropäischer Falknereigeschichte im Zeitraum von 500-1750.Der Schwerpunkt liegt auf der Archäologie (beizjagdtaugliche Greifvögel in Gräbern und Siedlungen, Falknereiausrüstung), doch alle anderen einschlägigen Quellen (Schrift und Bild) werden ebenso betrachtet, wenn auch nur kurz. Wie sich dabei zeigt, war Falknerei nicht allein eine Beschäftigung von Männern, sondern auch von Frauen mit hohem Stand.
O. Grimm/U. Schmölcke (eds.), Hunting in Northern Europe until 1500 AD - Old Traditions and regional developments, continental sources and continental influences, 2013
All in all, c. 500 burials of the 1st millenium AD in northern and central Europe have yielded be... more All in all, c. 500 burials of the 1st millenium AD in northern and central Europe have yielded bear-related furnishings. This paper focuses on little more than a dozen bear-skin burials in parts of Norway and Sweden. The male and female graves are mainly of the inhumation type, richly furnished and of Migration period date.
O. Grimm/U. Schmölcke (eds.), Hunting in northern Europe until 1500 AD - Old Traditions and regional developments, continental sources and continental influences , 2013
Wiesbaden-Breckenheim (Germany) and Tissö (Denmark) have yielded the archaeological remains of ce... more Wiesbaden-Breckenheim (Germany) and Tissö (Denmark) have yielded the archaeological remains of centres of power covering different parts of the first millenium AD: what about indications for noble/"royal" hunt from both sites?
O. Grimm / A. Pesch (eds.), The Gudme/Gudhem Phenomenon, 2011
This paper considers some of the place names containing the element 'god' that are not affiliated... more This paper considers some of the place names containing the element 'god' that are not affiliated with the concept 'home of the gods' as known from Old Norse written sources. Western Norway has three 'islands of the gods' and, in fact, one of these names played a significant role in early place-name research. Two of the three islands discussed – in Sunnmøre/Møre og Romsdal and the Saltfjord/ Nordland – are found in areas that stand out both topographically and archaeologically, while the third island of that name, in southern Hordaland, is located in the area that probably has the densest cluster of 'sacred' place names on the whole west coast of Norway. No archaeological finds substantiate the claim of the existence of a pre-Christian cult at the places called Godøy or in their environs. However, the most outstanding archaeological areas along the west coast are found further to the southwest – at Avaldsnes and Tu – and, in the case of the latter, there are indeed both 'sacred' place names and finds indicative of the existence of a pre-Christian religion. Generally speaking, there has been no systematic research into whether large farms found in Norway are in areas with clusters of 'sacred' place names.
M. Teichert (ed.), Sport und Spiel bei den Germanen. Nordeuropa von der römischen Kaiserzeit bis in das Mittelalter. Ergänzungsbände zum Reallexikon der Germanischen Altertumskunde 88 (Göttingen 2014)., 2014
Following an interdisciplinary approach, western Norwegian court sites (tunanlegg) are considered... more Following an interdisciplinary approach, western Norwegian court sites (tunanlegg) are considered as Iron Age game grounds whereas eastern Scandinavia yields evidence for ship races post-1000.
A. Abegg-Wigg/N. Lau (eds.), Kammergräber im Barbaricum. Zu Einflüssen und Übergangsphänomenen von der vorrömischen Eisenzeit bis in die Völkerwanderungszeit. Schriften des Archälogischen Landesmuseums 9 (Neumünster 2014) 167–182, 2014
Avaldsnes in southwestern Norway is known for a number of spectacular "princely graves", the late... more Avaldsnes in southwestern Norway is known for a number of spectacular "princely graves", the late Roman period Flagghaug burial being one them. That very burial is reconsidered by addressing the rich historical testimonies which relate to it and more recent Scandinavian research.
O. Grimm & Alexandra Pesch (eds.), Archäologie und Runen. Fallstudien zu Inschriften im älteren Futhark. Workshop, ZBSA, 2011 (Schleswig 2015), 2015
The present article is a survey of the south-east Swedish landscape of Blekinge that seeks to rev... more The present article is a survey of the south-east Swedish landscape of Blekinge that seeks to reveal focal areas and the topography of power. The point of departure is the four well-known runic inscriptions in the older Futhark. The time frame of the survey is primarily the first millenium AD
B. Ludowici et al. (ed.), Trade and Communication Networks of the First Millenium AD in the northern part of Central Europe. Neue Studien zur Sachsenforschung 1 (Hannover 2010) 315–327, 2010
The present paper assumes a long-term-perspective regarding Norwegian prehistory: how did topogra... more The present paper assumes a long-term-perspective regarding Norwegian prehistory: how did topography shape communication and traffic, in the Bronze and Iron Age? Which lesson can be learnt from Avaldsnes in the south-west of the country? What about geographic determinism and central place research?
Skyllis. Zeitschrift für Unterwasserarchäologie, 2010
Norwegian topography, i.e. the long and varying coastline in connection with few and mostly coast... more Norwegian topography, i.e. the long and varying coastline in connection with few and mostly coastbound fertile soils, has led to the formation of power at crucial seafaring passages. Three such areas considered: Spangereid in the south, Avaldsnes in the south-west and Stadlandet in the west.
K.-H. Gersmann & O. Grimm (eds.), Raptor and human - falconry and bird symbolism throughout the millennia on a global scale. Workshop, ZBSA, 2014 (Kiel/Hamburg 2018), 2018
The present article takes a closer look at the find contexts of bones of birds of prey (mainly th... more The present article takes a closer look at the find contexts of bones of birds of prey (mainly those of goshawk) in settlement contexts in central and northern Europe. Based upon different criteria, such bones regularly found at “special sites” such as seats of power, cities and trading places are often taken as indications for falconry and falconers. Regarding seats of power, it is worthwhile to analyse where in particular the bones were found. In the case of the city of Schleswig (early post 1000s) in northern Germany and the royal hill fort of Mikulčice in Moravia (late pre 1000s), it can be demonstrated that the bones do not originate from the actual seats of power, but from areas at some distance. There is reason to suggest that groups of a certain social standing – high clerics (Schleswig), military followers (Mikulčice) – engaged in falconry whereas, in the present cases, nothing definite can be said about kings, possibly queens, and birds. Apart from archaeology, written sources from the central European Frankish kingdom (late pre 1000s) bear witness to professional falconers employed by those in power. As can be assumed, these falconers did not live at the actual seats of power themselves, which would allow to consider bones which were found at some distance from these seats as indicators for professional falconers. When it comes to bones of this kind from trading sites, such as those of the late 1st millennium AD (Slavonic Groß Strömkendorf, eastern Germany, and mid-east Swedish Viking Birka), they have to be considered foremost on the basis of the mercantile character of the sites: were birds at such sites meant for trade? One could doubt that tradesmen and craftsmen were yet other groups that engaged in falconry, even more so since late 1st millennium trading sites had nearby centres of power from which they were overseen and which would have been the obvious places for high ranking persons taking an interest in falconry.
K.-H. Gersmann & O. Grimm (eds.), Raptor and human - falconry and bird symbolism throughout the millennia on a global scale. Workshop, ZBSA, 2014 (Kiel/Hamburg 2018), 2018
This paper is the introduction, discussion and summary of the following book: K-H. Gersmann & O. ... more This paper is the introduction, discussion and summary of the following book: K-H. Gersmann & O. Grimm (eds.), Raptor and human - falconry and bird symbolism throughout the millennia on a global scale. Publication in August 2018 in considerable extension of the workshop at the Centre for Baltic and Scandinavian Archaeology (ZBSA) in Schleswig (Germany), March 5th to March 7th 2014. Advanced studies on the archaeology and history of hunting, vol. 1.1-1.4. In the book: altogether 101 articles by falconers and scientists from 20 c. countries, covering the area from Spain, Portugal and North Africa in the west to Japan in the east and including North and Central America.
K.-H. Gersmann & O. Grimm (eds.), Raptor and human - falconry and bird symbolism throughout the millennia on a global scale. Workshop, ZBSA, 2014 (Kiel/Hamburg 2018), 2018
Abstract: Norway, in the north of Europe, is a long-stretched mountainous country that yields onl... more Abstract: Norway, in the north of Europe, is a long-stretched mountainous country that yields only limited areas suitable for agriculture, which are either coastal, along fjords or inland, resulting in long-term settlement continuity in most of these districts. In pre-modern times, water was the main communication and transport medium. Suitably, the name of the country – if Norway is understood as meaning “Northern Way” – may have denoted the main seafaring route along the western coast. Contacts to the outside world reach far back in time, as there are substantial indications for the exchange of goods long before the Vikings in the late 1st millennium AD travelled in their sailing vessels. It can be taken as given that falconry was not Norwegian in origin, but rather an import, possibly of Viking Age date, transferred via contact networks extending to eastern Sweden (with a well-recorded pre Viking and Viking history of falconry) or Denmark (with little evidence so far for falconry prior to 1000 AD) or, possibly less likely, England (with falconry recorded prior to 1000).
O. Grimm / U. Schmölcke (eds.), Hunting in Northern Europe until 1500 AD - Old Traditions and Regional Developments, Continental Sources and Continental Influences. Workshop, ZBSA, 2001 (Schleswig 2013), 2013
The text (2013) is an introduction to the workshop proceedings on the hunting workshop (2011) at ... more The text (2013) is an introduction to the workshop proceedings on the hunting workshop (2011) at the Centre for Baltic and Scandinavian Archaeology (ZBSA) in Schleswig, northern Germany
O. Grimm (ed.), in cooperation with K.-H. Gersmann and A.-L. Tropato, Raptor on the fist - falconry, its imagery and similar motifs throughout the millennia on a global scale
The paper is the synthesis for the second book on raptors and falconry, published by the ZBSA (Ce... more The paper is the synthesis for the second book on raptors and falconry, published by the ZBSA (Centre for Baltic and Scandinavian Archaeology)
O. Grimm (ed.), in cooperation with K.-H. Gersmann and A.-L. Tropato, Raptor on the fist - falconry, its imagery and similar motifs throughout the millennia on a global scale, 2020
Abstract: The early 7th century AD cremation burial at Rickeby in mid-east Sweden (Vallentuna), e... more Abstract: The early 7th century AD cremation burial at Rickeby in mid-east Sweden (Vallentuna), excavated in 1980, is rightly famous. The funeral pyre of a high status warrior (40–50 years old), his precious belongings and numerous animals, including a variety of birds among which were five raptors, was directly covered by a grave mound. The excavation, carried out in a very accurate manner, allows the reconstruction of the situation on the funeral pyre before the fire was lit, which is understood here as a three-dimensional painting/still life embodying, amongst other things, no less than three different “kinds of falconer”.
Abstract: Humans have developed a special relationship with some animal species throughout histor... more Abstract: Humans have developed a special relationship with some animal species throughout history, even though these animals were never domesticated. Based on raptors, bears, beavers, and elks, the question of whether there are similarities between the perception of these animals that triggered a special kind of fascination in humans and how the relationship between humans and these animals changed between Mesolithic age and medieval times is addressed. As we demonstrate, the categorical antagonism between ‘animal’ and ‘human’ is a concept that saw different kinds of influence, from the advent of sedentarism and husbandry to Christianity and from philosophical thinking in Classical Antiquity and the Period of Enlightenment. In prehistory and early history, we find different, opposing world views across time, cultures, and periods. Differences between animals and humans have been considered as fluid, and humans have had to engage with animals and their needs. The well-known and famous ‘bear ceremonies’ attested to different peoples and times were not unique, but were a part of belief systems that also included other animal species. Among the considered animals, certain raptor species attracted the attention of humans who tried to establish contact with them, as companions, whereas bears were almost ‘disguised humans’ due to all their similarities with humans, but they were also tabooed beings whose real names had to be avoided.
Beast and Human - Facets of a Multi-Layered Rekalationship from Past to Recent Times, with an Emphasis on Northern Europe , 2023
In the present paper, emphasis is laid upon burials with actual or assumed bear skins from northe... more In the present paper, emphasis is laid upon burials with actual or assumed bear skins from northern Europe. This relates to mainly Migration Period inhumation burials in Norway and Sweden (AD 375/400 to 550/575), whereas other bear-related furnishings (frequently claws [or rather third phalanges], rarely teeth) found in northern and central European Iron Age graves will not be considered. All in all, there is a maximum of only 15 burials with bear skin remains known from Norway and Sweden (a few more from Finland notwithstanding). This is statistically meaningless, and each new find may change the entire picture (see postscriptum). Furthermore, most finds came to light in the second half of the 19th and the early 20th century – that is, in the early days of archaeology, using rather rough excavation techniques when compared to present-day standards. Against all odds, however, a closer look at the burials with bear skins leads to somewhat surprising insights into social and gender aspects. Some graves are among the richest of their time, in cases of both male individuals (“warriors”) and one female. The oldest burial (160/180–325), one from Gotland, is also that of a female. Among the earliest of these graves in Norway (325–375/400), there is yet another one of a woman that is, quite remarkably, located in the far north of the country.
'Bear and Human - Facets of a Multi-Layered Relationship from Past to Recent Times, with an Emphasis on Northern Europe', 2023
The present paper serves as introduction, discussion and synthesis for proceedings on 'Bear and H... more The present paper serves as introduction, discussion and synthesis for proceedings on 'Bear and Human - Facets of a Multi-Layered Relationship from Past to Recent Times, with an Emphasis on Northern Europe' (Turnhout 2023)
Mitteilungen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Archäologie des Mittelalters und der Neuzeit 35, 2022, 23-35 , 2022
Falknerei, die Jagd mit abgetragenenen Greifvögeln und Audruck einer besonderen Beziehung zwische... more Falknerei, die Jagd mit abgetragenenen Greifvögeln und Audruck einer besonderen Beziehung zwischen Vogel und Mensch, steht in einer langen Tradition und ist von der UNESCO als Immaterielles Kulturerbe der Menschheit anerkannt. Der Artikel beschäftigt sich mit mitteleuropäischer Falknereigeschichte im Zeitraum von 500-1750.Der Schwerpunkt liegt auf der Archäologie (beizjagdtaugliche Greifvögel in Gräbern und Siedlungen, Falknereiausrüstung), doch alle anderen einschlägigen Quellen (Schrift und Bild) werden ebenso betrachtet, wenn auch nur kurz. Wie sich dabei zeigt, war Falknerei nicht allein eine Beschäftigung von Männern, sondern auch von Frauen mit hohem Stand.
O. Grimm/U. Schmölcke (eds.), Hunting in Northern Europe until 1500 AD - Old Traditions and regional developments, continental sources and continental influences, 2013
All in all, c. 500 burials of the 1st millenium AD in northern and central Europe have yielded be... more All in all, c. 500 burials of the 1st millenium AD in northern and central Europe have yielded bear-related furnishings. This paper focuses on little more than a dozen bear-skin burials in parts of Norway and Sweden. The male and female graves are mainly of the inhumation type, richly furnished and of Migration period date.
O. Grimm/U. Schmölcke (eds.), Hunting in northern Europe until 1500 AD - Old Traditions and regional developments, continental sources and continental influences , 2013
Wiesbaden-Breckenheim (Germany) and Tissö (Denmark) have yielded the archaeological remains of ce... more Wiesbaden-Breckenheim (Germany) and Tissö (Denmark) have yielded the archaeological remains of centres of power covering different parts of the first millenium AD: what about indications for noble/"royal" hunt from both sites?
O. Grimm / A. Pesch (eds.), The Gudme/Gudhem Phenomenon, 2011
This paper considers some of the place names containing the element 'god' that are not affiliated... more This paper considers some of the place names containing the element 'god' that are not affiliated with the concept 'home of the gods' as known from Old Norse written sources. Western Norway has three 'islands of the gods' and, in fact, one of these names played a significant role in early place-name research. Two of the three islands discussed – in Sunnmøre/Møre og Romsdal and the Saltfjord/ Nordland – are found in areas that stand out both topographically and archaeologically, while the third island of that name, in southern Hordaland, is located in the area that probably has the densest cluster of 'sacred' place names on the whole west coast of Norway. No archaeological finds substantiate the claim of the existence of a pre-Christian cult at the places called Godøy or in their environs. However, the most outstanding archaeological areas along the west coast are found further to the southwest – at Avaldsnes and Tu – and, in the case of the latter, there are indeed both 'sacred' place names and finds indicative of the existence of a pre-Christian religion. Generally speaking, there has been no systematic research into whether large farms found in Norway are in areas with clusters of 'sacred' place names.
M. Teichert (ed.), Sport und Spiel bei den Germanen. Nordeuropa von der römischen Kaiserzeit bis in das Mittelalter. Ergänzungsbände zum Reallexikon der Germanischen Altertumskunde 88 (Göttingen 2014)., 2014
Following an interdisciplinary approach, western Norwegian court sites (tunanlegg) are considered... more Following an interdisciplinary approach, western Norwegian court sites (tunanlegg) are considered as Iron Age game grounds whereas eastern Scandinavia yields evidence for ship races post-1000.
A. Abegg-Wigg/N. Lau (eds.), Kammergräber im Barbaricum. Zu Einflüssen und Übergangsphänomenen von der vorrömischen Eisenzeit bis in die Völkerwanderungszeit. Schriften des Archälogischen Landesmuseums 9 (Neumünster 2014) 167–182, 2014
Avaldsnes in southwestern Norway is known for a number of spectacular "princely graves", the late... more Avaldsnes in southwestern Norway is known for a number of spectacular "princely graves", the late Roman period Flagghaug burial being one them. That very burial is reconsidered by addressing the rich historical testimonies which relate to it and more recent Scandinavian research.
O. Grimm & Alexandra Pesch (eds.), Archäologie und Runen. Fallstudien zu Inschriften im älteren Futhark. Workshop, ZBSA, 2011 (Schleswig 2015), 2015
The present article is a survey of the south-east Swedish landscape of Blekinge that seeks to rev... more The present article is a survey of the south-east Swedish landscape of Blekinge that seeks to reveal focal areas and the topography of power. The point of departure is the four well-known runic inscriptions in the older Futhark. The time frame of the survey is primarily the first millenium AD
B. Ludowici et al. (ed.), Trade and Communication Networks of the First Millenium AD in the northern part of Central Europe. Neue Studien zur Sachsenforschung 1 (Hannover 2010) 315–327, 2010
The present paper assumes a long-term-perspective regarding Norwegian prehistory: how did topogra... more The present paper assumes a long-term-perspective regarding Norwegian prehistory: how did topography shape communication and traffic, in the Bronze and Iron Age? Which lesson can be learnt from Avaldsnes in the south-west of the country? What about geographic determinism and central place research?
Skyllis. Zeitschrift für Unterwasserarchäologie, 2010
Norwegian topography, i.e. the long and varying coastline in connection with few and mostly coast... more Norwegian topography, i.e. the long and varying coastline in connection with few and mostly coastbound fertile soils, has led to the formation of power at crucial seafaring passages. Three such areas considered: Spangereid in the south, Avaldsnes in the south-west and Stadlandet in the west.
K.-H. Gersmann & O. Grimm (eds.), Raptor and human - falconry and bird symbolism throughout the millennia on a global scale. Workshop, ZBSA, 2014 (Kiel/Hamburg 2018), 2018
The present article takes a closer look at the find contexts of bones of birds of prey (mainly th... more The present article takes a closer look at the find contexts of bones of birds of prey (mainly those of goshawk) in settlement contexts in central and northern Europe. Based upon different criteria, such bones regularly found at “special sites” such as seats of power, cities and trading places are often taken as indications for falconry and falconers. Regarding seats of power, it is worthwhile to analyse where in particular the bones were found. In the case of the city of Schleswig (early post 1000s) in northern Germany and the royal hill fort of Mikulčice in Moravia (late pre 1000s), it can be demonstrated that the bones do not originate from the actual seats of power, but from areas at some distance. There is reason to suggest that groups of a certain social standing – high clerics (Schleswig), military followers (Mikulčice) – engaged in falconry whereas, in the present cases, nothing definite can be said about kings, possibly queens, and birds. Apart from archaeology, written sources from the central European Frankish kingdom (late pre 1000s) bear witness to professional falconers employed by those in power. As can be assumed, these falconers did not live at the actual seats of power themselves, which would allow to consider bones which were found at some distance from these seats as indicators for professional falconers. When it comes to bones of this kind from trading sites, such as those of the late 1st millennium AD (Slavonic Groß Strömkendorf, eastern Germany, and mid-east Swedish Viking Birka), they have to be considered foremost on the basis of the mercantile character of the sites: were birds at such sites meant for trade? One could doubt that tradesmen and craftsmen were yet other groups that engaged in falconry, even more so since late 1st millennium trading sites had nearby centres of power from which they were overseen and which would have been the obvious places for high ranking persons taking an interest in falconry.
K.-H. Gersmann & O. Grimm (eds.), Raptor and human - falconry and bird symbolism throughout the millennia on a global scale. Workshop, ZBSA, 2014 (Kiel/Hamburg 2018), 2018
This paper is the introduction, discussion and summary of the following book: K-H. Gersmann & O. ... more This paper is the introduction, discussion and summary of the following book: K-H. Gersmann & O. Grimm (eds.), Raptor and human - falconry and bird symbolism throughout the millennia on a global scale. Publication in August 2018 in considerable extension of the workshop at the Centre for Baltic and Scandinavian Archaeology (ZBSA) in Schleswig (Germany), March 5th to March 7th 2014. Advanced studies on the archaeology and history of hunting, vol. 1.1-1.4. In the book: altogether 101 articles by falconers and scientists from 20 c. countries, covering the area from Spain, Portugal and North Africa in the west to Japan in the east and including North and Central America.
K.-H. Gersmann & O. Grimm (eds.), Raptor and human - falconry and bird symbolism throughout the millennia on a global scale. Workshop, ZBSA, 2014 (Kiel/Hamburg 2018), 2018
Abstract: Norway, in the north of Europe, is a long-stretched mountainous country that yields onl... more Abstract: Norway, in the north of Europe, is a long-stretched mountainous country that yields only limited areas suitable for agriculture, which are either coastal, along fjords or inland, resulting in long-term settlement continuity in most of these districts. In pre-modern times, water was the main communication and transport medium. Suitably, the name of the country – if Norway is understood as meaning “Northern Way” – may have denoted the main seafaring route along the western coast. Contacts to the outside world reach far back in time, as there are substantial indications for the exchange of goods long before the Vikings in the late 1st millennium AD travelled in their sailing vessels. It can be taken as given that falconry was not Norwegian in origin, but rather an import, possibly of Viking Age date, transferred via contact networks extending to eastern Sweden (with a well-recorded pre Viking and Viking history of falconry) or Denmark (with little evidence so far for falconry prior to 1000 AD) or, possibly less likely, England (with falconry recorded prior to 1000).
O. Grimm / U. Schmölcke (eds.), Hunting in Northern Europe until 1500 AD - Old Traditions and Regional Developments, Continental Sources and Continental Influences. Workshop, ZBSA, 2001 (Schleswig 2013), 2013
The text (2013) is an introduction to the workshop proceedings on the hunting workshop (2011) at ... more The text (2013) is an introduction to the workshop proceedings on the hunting workshop (2011) at the Centre for Baltic and Scandinavian Archaeology (ZBSA) in Schleswig, northern Germany
O. Grimm (ed.), in cooperation with K.-H. Gersmann and A.-L. Tropato, Raptor on the fist - falconry, its imagery and similar motifs throughout the millennia on a global scale
The paper is the synthesis for the second book on raptors and falconry, published by the ZBSA (Ce... more The paper is the synthesis for the second book on raptors and falconry, published by the ZBSA (Centre for Baltic and Scandinavian Archaeology)
O. Grimm (ed.), in cooperation with K.-H. Gersmann and A.-L. Tropato, Raptor on the fist - falconry, its imagery and similar motifs throughout the millennia on a global scale, 2020
Abstract: The early 7th century AD cremation burial at Rickeby in mid-east Sweden (Vallentuna), e... more Abstract: The early 7th century AD cremation burial at Rickeby in mid-east Sweden (Vallentuna), excavated in 1980, is rightly famous. The funeral pyre of a high status warrior (40–50 years old), his precious belongings and numerous animals, including a variety of birds among which were five raptors, was directly covered by a grave mound. The excavation, carried out in a very accurate manner, allows the reconstruction of the situation on the funeral pyre before the fire was lit, which is understood here as a three-dimensional painting/still life embodying, amongst other things, no less than three different “kinds of falconer”.
Conference: Socio-Environmental Dynamics over the Last 15.000 Years: The Creation of Landscapes. Location: Kiel (Germany)
This session will provide a diachronic consideration of human, animal, and landscape interplay wi... more This session will provide a diachronic consideration of human, animal, and landscape interplay with an emphasis upon Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea area. Focusing on, amongst other aspects, periods of change it follows a multi-perspective approach. The considered time frame covers the late Palaeolithic up to the Middle Ages, and the central topic is hunting and, more broadly, human-animal-relationship, against the background of human's dependency on landscape and climate. Thus, in particular for the period of hunters and gatherers, hunting techniques, strategies, and motivations are as relevant as the union formed between human and dog, as are the indications for the veneration of hunted animal species. For the Neolithic and later periods, hunting for the protection of acres and flocks will have to be considered alongside the hunt for the acquisition of raw materials, as opposed to, for example, trophy hunting and 'princely hunt'. For the session, papers from various disciplines in the Natural Sciences and Humanities are welcome. Thus, the session will bundle different aspects connected with hunting, and the overall diachronic view, given by one of the keynote speakers for parts of Northern Europa, and will imply the chance to trace red threads and changes. Furthermore, the focused analysis on certain periods and regions will enable us to see specific hunting patterns and more individual solutions, related to the landscape. Questions, central for the session, are as follows: • To which extent were intensity and purpose of hunting linked to cultural transformations (example: Neoli-thisation)? • Were times with changing hunting patterns also times of general changes in the human-environmental interaction or interplay (example: wolf and bear extirpations in Christian societies)? • What about the dynamics of human-animal-relationship, from dogs to other true mates of humans (example: late Paleolithic dog burial from Bonn-Oberkassel), in relation to domestic animals (example: Neolithic cattle graves) and wild beasts (example: bear symbolism)? • What about the reconstruction of hunting episodes at particular sites, what about the earliest indications for the veneration of hunted animal species and, finally, what about the beginning of trophy hunting and the development of 'princely hunt'?
O. Grimm (ed.), in cooperation with K.-H. Gersmann and A.-L. Tropato, Raptor on the fist - falconry, its imagery and similar motifs throughout the millennia on a global scale, 2020
List of contents of the second book on raptors and falconry, published by the ZBSA (Centre for Ba... more List of contents of the second book on raptors and falconry, published by the ZBSA (Centre for Baltic and Scandinavian Archaeology)
K.-H. Gersmann & O. Grimm (eds.), Raptor and human - falconry and bird symbolism throughout the millennia on a global scale. , 2018
List of contents of the first book on raptors and falconry, published by the ZBSA (Centre for Bal... more List of contents of the first book on raptors and falconry, published by the ZBSA (Centre for Baltic and Scandinavian Archaeology) '
Roman Period Court Sites in South-Western Norway, 2010
The paper reviews old and recent excavations of the court sites situated in south-western Norway.... more The paper reviews old and recent excavations of the court sites situated in south-western Norway. On that base, the sites are considered against a wider background, from Jaeren to southwestern Norway to Scandinavia/Middle Europe. Central Place Archaeology which goes back to the 1960s/1970s is introduced and discussed. As regards the very court-sites: do they point towards groups with equal right or social stratification? Had the sites just one function, the assembly of things, or were more functions attached?
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the categorical antagonism between ‘animal’ and ‘human’ is a concept that saw different kinds of influence, from the advent of sedentarism and husbandry to Christianity and from philosophical thinking in Classical Antiquity and the Period of Enlightenment. In prehistory and early history, we find different, opposing world views across time, cultures, and periods. Differences between animals and humans have been considered as fluid, and humans have had to engage with animals and their needs. The well-known and famous ‘bear ceremonies’ attested to different peoples and times were not unique, but were a part of belief systems that also included other animal species. Among the considered animals, certain raptor species attracted the attention of humans who tried to establish
contact with them, as companions, whereas bears were almost ‘disguised humans’ due to all their similarities with humans, but they were also tabooed beings whose real names had to be avoided.
trading places are often taken as indications for falconry and falconers. Regarding seats of power, it is worthwhile to analyse where in particular the bones were found. In the case of the city of Schleswig (early post 1000s) in northern Germany and the royal hill fort of Mikulčice in Moravia (late pre 1000s), it can be demonstrated that the bones do not originate from the actual seats of power, but from areas at some distance. There is reason to suggest that groups of a certain social standing – high clerics (Schleswig), military followers (Mikulčice) – engaged in falconry whereas, in the present cases, nothing definite can be said about kings, possibly queens, and birds. Apart from archaeology, written sources from the central European Frankish kingdom (late pre 1000s) bear witness to professional falconers employed by those in power. As can be assumed, these falconers did not live at the actual seats of power themselves, which would allow to consider bones which were found at some distance from these seats as indicators for professional falconers. When it comes to bones of this kind from trading sites, such as those of the late 1st millennium AD (Slavonic Groß Strömkendorf, eastern Germany, and mid-east Swedish Viking Birka), they have to be considered foremost on the basis of the mercantile character of the sites: were birds at such sites meant
for trade? One could doubt that tradesmen and craftsmen were yet other groups that engaged in falconry, even more so since late 1st millennium trading sites had nearby centres of power from
which they were overseen and which would have been the obvious places for high ranking persons taking an interest in falconry.
the categorical antagonism between ‘animal’ and ‘human’ is a concept that saw different kinds of influence, from the advent of sedentarism and husbandry to Christianity and from philosophical thinking in Classical Antiquity and the Period of Enlightenment. In prehistory and early history, we find different, opposing world views across time, cultures, and periods. Differences between animals and humans have been considered as fluid, and humans have had to engage with animals and their needs. The well-known and famous ‘bear ceremonies’ attested to different peoples and times were not unique, but were a part of belief systems that also included other animal species. Among the considered animals, certain raptor species attracted the attention of humans who tried to establish
contact with them, as companions, whereas bears were almost ‘disguised humans’ due to all their similarities with humans, but they were also tabooed beings whose real names had to be avoided.
trading places are often taken as indications for falconry and falconers. Regarding seats of power, it is worthwhile to analyse where in particular the bones were found. In the case of the city of Schleswig (early post 1000s) in northern Germany and the royal hill fort of Mikulčice in Moravia (late pre 1000s), it can be demonstrated that the bones do not originate from the actual seats of power, but from areas at some distance. There is reason to suggest that groups of a certain social standing – high clerics (Schleswig), military followers (Mikulčice) – engaged in falconry whereas, in the present cases, nothing definite can be said about kings, possibly queens, and birds. Apart from archaeology, written sources from the central European Frankish kingdom (late pre 1000s) bear witness to professional falconers employed by those in power. As can be assumed, these falconers did not live at the actual seats of power themselves, which would allow to consider bones which were found at some distance from these seats as indicators for professional falconers. When it comes to bones of this kind from trading sites, such as those of the late 1st millennium AD (Slavonic Groß Strömkendorf, eastern Germany, and mid-east Swedish Viking Birka), they have to be considered foremost on the basis of the mercantile character of the sites: were birds at such sites meant
for trade? One could doubt that tradesmen and craftsmen were yet other groups that engaged in falconry, even more so since late 1st millennium trading sites had nearby centres of power from
which they were overseen and which would have been the obvious places for high ranking persons taking an interest in falconry.