Graves, Grave-Fields and Burial Customs – Variation as Theme

A Discussion of Late Iron Age Grave-Fields in the Inland of Småland

Abstract

This article deals with late Iron Age grave-fields in the medieval regions Värend, Finnveden and Njudung in Småland. A contextual analysis of different grave types in grave-fields shows a somewhat different picture than what has previously been argued about this region. Special attention is paid to burial customs in Värend, whose varied grave-fields distinctly diverge from cemeteries in Finnveden and Njudung. The background to this is discussed. Various hypotheses are tested and factors such as local traditions, settlement structure, and power structures are thought to have affected burial customs in Värend. Finally, while grave-fields in Finnveden and Njudung have parallels in eastern and central Sweden, cemeteries in Värend have their parallels in Halland, northern Scania and Blekinge.