Kylfryszoner

Kylfryszoner, also known as Kylfridsoner, are a group of Viking-age graves found in the Swedish province of Scania. These graves are notable for their distinctive design and the artifacts they contain, which provide valuable insights into the material culture and beliefs of the Viking Age. The term "kylfryszoner" is derived from the Old Norse word "kylf," meaning "rib," and "ryson," meaning "remains," reflecting the characteristic rib-like structure of the graves.

The graves are typically constructed with a central post surrounded by a ring of stones, with a large stone placed on top to form a rib-like shape. This design is believed to have been inspired by the Viking Age concept of the world tree, Yggdrasil, and may have been intended to symbolize the connection between the earth and the heavens. The graves are often found in clusters, suggesting that they were used for collective burials.

The artifacts found in kylfryszoner include weapons, jewelry, and personal items, such as brooches and pins. These items provide evidence of the social status and activities of the individuals buried in the graves. The graves also contain evidence of cremation, suggesting that the Vikings practiced both burial and cremation.

The kylfryszoner are a significant source of information about the Viking Age, providing insights into the material culture, beliefs, and social structure of the time. They are also an important part of Sweden's cultural heritage, and many are protected as national monuments. The study of kylfryszoner continues to be an active area of research, with new discoveries and interpretations being made regularly.