Balkåkra Ritual Object
The Balkåkra Ritual Object is an item from the Bronze Age found in Balkåkra in Sweden in 1847. Its use and purpose remain unknown.
History[]
The object was found in a bog in Balkåkra socken close to Ystad in Scania, Sweden in 1847. It has been dated to c. 1500 – 1300 BC, i.e. early Nordic Bronze Age. A similar item was discovered in 1913 not far from Sopron in Hungary. It has been suggested that the object found in Balkåkra may have been imported from present-day Hungary and not produced locally.[1][2]
Description[]
The item consists of a round frame made of bronze perforated with holes and carried by ten wheels. A flat and loose bronze plate placed on top of it. The plate is decorated with zig-zag patterns.[2] The diameter of the plate is 42 centimetres (17 in) and is slightly concave.[1]
Interpretation[]
It is not known what purpose the item served, but it has been assumed that it had a ritual use. Suggestions have been made that it could have been a gong, a drum, a throne or a burning glass.[1][2]
References[]
- ^ a b c Freij, Henry (1977). ""Balkåkratrumman"" (PDF) (in Swedish). Swedish National Heritage Board. Retrieved 2 October 2016.
- ^ a b c Ullén, Inga. "Solen och stjärnorna" (in Swedish). Swedish History Museum. Retrieved 2 October 2016.
External links[]
- Nordic Bronze Age
- Archaeology of Sweden