Ljungbacka – a Late Iron Age Cemetery in South-West Scania

Abstract

This paper discusses the results ofthe rescue excavation of a mixed burial ground in Lockarp parish, south-west Scania, Sweden. Apart from a pre-existing barrow of Early Bronze Age character in the middle of the field and a single cremation burial dated to the Late Bronze Age, most of the burials can be considered as of Late Iron Age date. A remarkable feature is the topographical division of the burials into smaller groups or clusters, which might be interpreted as a reflection of the local pattern of settlements rather than of purely chronological or social implications. Because of the complexity of the burial customs applied, signs of cult in connection with some of the interments, such as the killing of additional individuals, are discussed. Two of the Viking Age inhumation burials, one containing an axe and the other a pair of spurs, are evident examples of the Scandinavian 10th-century warrior graves. Viking riding gear has hitherto not been found in Scanian burials, so this brings up the question of the military structure of the Late Viking Age in this part of Denmark. Also, the location of the cemerery next to a former main road is discussed.