Håkon Reiersen
University of Stavanger, Museum of Archaeology, Faculty Member
- Archaeologist at the Museum of Archaeology, University of Stavanger, Norway. PhD degree from the University of Bergen... moreArchaeologist at the Museum of Archaeology, University of Stavanger, Norway. PhD degree from the University of Bergen on elite milieus and centres of power in south-western Norway in the Roman and Migration periods.edit
Gold arm and finger rings with serpent-head terminals were among the most charismatic objects of the Roman Period in Scandinavia. Through their characteristic and symbol-laden design, they acted as the insignia of the uppermost elites,... more
Gold arm and finger rings with serpent-head terminals were among the most charismatic objects of the Roman Period in Scandinavia. Through their characteristic and symbol-laden design, they acted as the insignia of the uppermost elites, and as visual markers of elite alliances. The rings were objects intimately related to their powerful carriers and had to follow them in their shared graves. During burial rituals, the rings were treated in the same manner as the dead body; they were either burnt or remained unburnt. Typically, Danish and Swedish graves containing serpent-head rings were neatly arranged inhumation graves with unharmed rings. On the other hand, three western Norwegian graves with such rings instead reflect chaotic cremation rituals where the rings were cut and burnt. In order to understand better how and why these rings were damaged, the graves with fragmented serpent-head rings have been examined. In western Norway, the destruction of serpent-head rings seems to have been a ritual practice shared within a regional network of elites.
Research Interests:
Extraordinary objects, things that convey collective narratives as well as a record of conservation evoke extraordinary feelings. Both the physical characteristics of the objects and the myths surrounding them may increase their meaning,... more
Extraordinary objects, things that convey collective narratives as well as a record of conservation evoke extraordinary feelings. Both the physical characteristics of the objects and the myths surrounding them may increase their meaning, lending them an inherent power. The design, language of form, as well as the materials used are essential elements in creating the objects’ charisma and in forming the stories that are told about them. The present volume explores the concept of charismatic objects and their material world through nine papers focusing on historical examples dating from the Roman Period to the late Middle Ages.
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This thesis examines how elite milieus organised their centres c. 200–550 AD in the counties of Hordaland and Rogaland, western Norway. Here, the archaeological material has many indications of elite organisation, which have been widely... more
This thesis examines how elite milieus organised their centres c. 200–550 AD in the counties of Hordaland and Rogaland, western Norway. Here, the archaeological material has many indications of elite organisation, which have been widely debated throughout the history of research. Building on insights from previous research, a general model of centre organisation was sketched. In the model, elite milieus, central functions and centre indicators were seen as interrelated components of the centre. Methodologically, centre organisation was approached through centre indicators – status objects and grand buildings – interpreted as being closely related to interaction between elite milieus and to the central functions gathered at centres. Previous work by Myhre and Ringstad identified where the centres in western Norway were located. After critically analysing the methods in their studies, their results were validated.
Twelve of the identified centres in the study area were selected for detailed analysis of the local distribution of centre indicators. By using the general model of centre organisation and applying interpretations of the various centre indicators, the contexts for each of the centre localities were individually examined. The data set of all locations was then used to show general trends and variations in the organisation of the western Norwegian centres. The presence of sociopolitical, military, judicial and ritual central functions was identified at the examined centres. These functions were closely associated with the halls, retinues, thing sites and religion mentioned in contemporary or later written sources. Alliance networks between elite milieus at the centres have also been identified, best illustrated by alliances led by the Avaldsnes milieu in the late Roman period and by the Hauge-Tu milieu at Tinghaug in the Migration period.
This thesis contributes to a better understanding of how societies were organised in the late Roman and Migration periods, and renews our view of elite milieus and centres. It actualises a large number of western Norwegian centres, connecting these localities to the extensive research discourse on Scandinavian centres. Although the western Norwegian centres have special regional characteristics, sites like Avaldsnes, Hove, Etne, Hafrsfjord and Tinghaug clearly resemble contemporary centres in Scandinavia.
Twelve of the identified centres in the study area were selected for detailed analysis of the local distribution of centre indicators. By using the general model of centre organisation and applying interpretations of the various centre indicators, the contexts for each of the centre localities were individually examined. The data set of all locations was then used to show general trends and variations in the organisation of the western Norwegian centres. The presence of sociopolitical, military, judicial and ritual central functions was identified at the examined centres. These functions were closely associated with the halls, retinues, thing sites and religion mentioned in contemporary or later written sources. Alliance networks between elite milieus at the centres have also been identified, best illustrated by alliances led by the Avaldsnes milieu in the late Roman period and by the Hauge-Tu milieu at Tinghaug in the Migration period.
This thesis contributes to a better understanding of how societies were organised in the late Roman and Migration periods, and renews our view of elite milieus and centres. It actualises a large number of western Norwegian centres, connecting these localities to the extensive research discourse on Scandinavian centres. Although the western Norwegian centres have special regional characteristics, sites like Avaldsnes, Hove, Etne, Hafrsfjord and Tinghaug clearly resemble contemporary centres in Scandinavia.
Research Interests:
The ‘Flaghaug find’ denotes a number of objects salvaged from the huge Flaghaug mound (30-40m wide and 5m high) close to Avaldsnes church, and on the most exposed and visually prominent place on the Avaldsnes plateau, between the years... more
The ‘Flaghaug find’ denotes a number of objects salvaged from the huge Flaghaug mound (30-40m wide and 5m high) close to Avaldsnes church, and on the most exposed and visually prominent place on the Avaldsnes plateau, between the years 1834 and 1840. No written report in the modern sense survives from the excavations carried out by the Avaldsnes vicar, J.L. Brun, in 1834/35, and the finds have never been published in their entirety. Those researchers who have discussed the finds, have, following Christie and later Shetelig and Slomann, suggested that we are dealing with a primary, wooden chamber, centrally situated in the mound and holding a richly furnished male inhumation dating from the Late Roman period, as well as one or two secondary cremations in bronze urns elsewhere in the mound. The primary burial with its golden neck ring and extravagant weapons is generally assumed to belong to the Leuna-Hasslaben horizon of Germanic princely graves. The present paper presents a somewhat different view, partly based on a number of original sources that have not previously been utilised.
The Royal manor Avaldsnes in southwest Norway holds a rich history testified by 13th century sagas and exceptional graves from the first millennium AD. In 2011–12 the settlement was excavated. In this first book from the project crucial... more
The Royal manor Avaldsnes in southwest Norway holds a rich history testified by 13th century sagas and exceptional graves from the first millennium AD. In 2011–12 the settlement was excavated. In this first book from the project crucial results from an international team of 23 scholars are published. The chapters cover a wide array of topics ranging from building-remains and scientific analyses of finds to landownership and ritual manifestations. It is suggested that Avaldsnes was a prominent base for sea kings that operated along the West-Scandinavian coast in the first millennium AD. The martial competence developed through the centuries in the sea-king environment was the basis of the Vikings' military success in the 9th–10th centuries.