Vendelser

Vendelser refers to a type of Swedish and Norwegian cultural practice that involves burial in a cairn or mound. This tradition is particularly associated with the Vendel Period, which took place from the late 6th to the early 11th centuries in Scandinavia.

During this time, burying the deceased in a cairn or mound with the deceased's personal belongings and treasure was a common practice among Scandinavian elite and chieftains. These Vendelser burial mounds were often built with stones and sometimes contained human remains as well as grave goods such as swords, jewelry, and other artifacts.

The purpose of Vendelser burials was to preserve the deceased's status and power during life, as well as to demonstrate their legacy to their descendants. By burying their dead with valuable items, these individuals could demonstrate their wealth, status, and prestige even after their death.

Archaeological evidence has shown that Vendelser burials were often part of larger cemeteries, where multiple burial mounds were constructed for select members of society. Research into the Vendelser burial mounds has provided valuable insights into the lives and practices of pre-Viking Age Scandinavians.

Studies of these sites have also shed light on the complex social structures of the time, including power dynamics and the importance of material culture in Scandinavian societies of the 6th to 11th centuries. Through interpretation of the artifacts found in Vendelser burials, scholars continue to gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in Scandinavian history.