Kütmisperiood

Kütmisperiood refers to a historical period in Estonian ethnography and folklore, typically associated with the late Iron Age and early medieval period. It is characterized by a particular set of cultural practices, beliefs, and material culture observed in the Estonian lands. The term itself is not a rigidly defined chronological era with exact start and end dates but rather a descriptive concept used by researchers to understand a phase of societal development.

During the kütmisperiood, communities were primarily agrarian, with farming and animal husbandry forming the backbone of their economy. Settlements often consisted of scattered farmsteads or small villages. Evidence from archaeological findings suggests distinct burial practices, often involving inhumation in cemeteries with grave goods that reflect social status and beliefs about the afterlife.

The spiritual life of the people during this time was likely influenced by ancient pagan traditions, with a focus on nature worship and ancestor veneration. While direct written records from this specific period are scarce, information is pieced together through the analysis of archaeological sites, linguistic studies, and later folklore collections that may preserve echoes of earlier beliefs. The kütmisperiood represents a crucial stage in the formation of Estonian identity and cultural heritage before the more substantial influences of Christianity and feudalism became widespread.