Abstract
This book explores the construction of regional identities in the Early Bronze Age through the temporal variation in burial practice in Southwest Norway. Earthen barrows from the regions Etne, Karmøy, Jæren, and Lista are used as the archaeological source for this study. How historically constituted structures together with external practice form part of an open-ended process of identity construction is investigated. Previous research has often used a set, rigid definition of identity, and earthen barrows along the coast of Southwest Norway have therefore frequently been portrayed as part of a southern Scandinavian culture. These perceptions are not necessarily wrong, but neglect the complicated processes that give rise to groups. In this study it is argued that patterns found in the material remains, both unintentional and intentional, express regional variation. Through a quantitative methodology based on a selection of focus points and spatial analysis in ArcGIS the multifaceted process behind identity construction is showcased. As a result, the southwest coast of Norway during the Early Bronze Age can be seen as a more complex and dynamic region. Although many similarities between regions are shared, they are also clearly divided and competitive.
Highlights
With the introduction of cereal cultivation and animal husbandry in the Late Neolithic (2350–1700 BCE, see Table I) and following the imports of bronzes and new institutionalised forms of social and political organisation by the Early Bronze Age (1700–1100 BCE) the southwestern coast of Norway was drawn in to a wider Nordic Bronze Age culture
In studying the multifaceted composition of the Early Bronze Age burial mounds of Etne, Karmøy, Jæren and Lista (Fig. 1) this book will examine what defined these societies, and how they defined themselves. Were they heavily influenced by southern Scandinavia and the rest of Europe, or can we find independent societies, eager to form their own identity and social norms? The delineation to Etne, Karmøy, Jæren, and Lista is based on the geographical spread of the earth-constructed barrows and the fact that very little research has encompassed all of the above regions in a combined study
Clear material resemblance may have been recognised as part of a broad ‘Nordic’ identity, local variations are clearly visible in the burial practice in Southwest Norway, such as composite barrows, central cairns, ornamented grave slabs, and perhaps most unique; cists made in a dry stone technique of small, horizontally laid slabs
Summary
With the introduction of cereal cultivation and animal husbandry in the Late Neolithic (2350–1700 BCE, see Table I) and following the imports of bronzes and new institutionalised forms of social and political organisation by the Early Bronze Age (1700–1100 BCE) the southwestern coast of Norway was drawn in to a wider Nordic Bronze Age culture. This book will explore the term identity, and how identity as a theoretical construct can be used to discern social and political choices of past societies This will be exemplified through the burial practice of the Early Bronze Age societies of Southwest Norway. To quote Richard Jenkins (2004:12): “That groups are social constructions doesn’t mean that they are illusions” With this as a backdrop, the book will examine what defined the identities of the Early Bronze Age societies in southwest Norway. In studying the multifaceted composition of the Early Bronze Age burial mounds of Etne, Karmøy, Jæren and Lista (Fig. 1) this book will examine what defined these societies, and how they defined themselves Were they heavily influenced by southern Scandinavia and the rest of Europe, or can we find independent societies, eager to form their own identity and social norms? 7.3 and 7.4 provide a short presentation of the results and concluding remarks
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