The Egtved Girl is one of the most fascinating archaeological discoveries of the Nordic Bronze Age. Dating back to c. 1390–1370 BC, her remains, found near Egtved, Denmark in 1921, offer remarkable insights into the life, culture, and burial practices of Bronze Age Scandinavia. This discovery has allowed historians and archaeologists to piece together aspects of Nordic society, fashion, rituals, and daily life that would have otherwise remained lost in time.
This article will delve into the discovery of the Egtved Girl, her burial outfit and surroundings, and what her remains reveal about Bronze Age culture in northern Europe.
The Discovery of the Egtved Girl’s Burial Site
The remains of the Egtved Girl were discovered by Danish farmer Peter Platz on February 24, 1921, while he was digging in the boggy terrain near Egtved, a village in southern Jutland, Denmark. The bog soil’s acidic environment is well known for its ability to preserve organic material, making it an ideal setting for uncovering well-preserved ancient relics. Platz’s findings included a oak coffin with the remarkably preserved remains of a young girl, dating back to the Bronze Age, approximately 1370 BC according to dendrochronological dating.
The coffin, wrapped in ox hide, contained the Egtved Girl’s clothes, accessories, and items such as a small box and a bucket of beer. The discovery was unprecedented, as the level of preservation was nearly unmatched, providing a unique glimpse into the life of young women in Bronze Age Denmark.
Who Was the Egtved Girl?
The Egtved Girl is believed to have been between 16 and 18 years old at the time of her death. She stood at 1.6 meters (5 ft 3 in) tall, with short blonde hair and well-maintained nails—details that were well-preserved due to the bog conditions. Although her exact identity remains unknown, the items found with her and the care taken in her burial indicate that she may have held social significance within her community.
Her appearance—trim, blonde, and adorned with bronze accessories—reflects the cultural norms and aesthetics of the time, highlighting a society that valued personal grooming and adornment.
The Egtved Girl’s Unique Burial Outfit
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Egtved Girl’s discovery was her distinctive outfit. Her clothing style, which was typical of the Nordic Bronze Age, had been preserved in near-perfect condition, providing archaeologists with insight into Bronze Age fashion in northern Europe. Here’s what she wore:
- A loose, short tunic: This tunic had sleeves reaching the elbow and was made from coarse wool. It was functional yet stylish, with a length that suggests practical wear while also reflecting aesthetic choices of the time.
- Bare waist: Her waist was left exposed, a detail that may have been symbolic or simply an element of the fashion of the era.
- Short string skirt: Her skirt was a simple yet elegant design composed of several strands that hung down, giving the outfit a dynamic appearance. This skirt is thought to have been a common garment for young women in her culture.
- Woolen belt with a large disc: The belt, decorated with a bronze disc featuring spiral designs and a central spike, emphasized the Nordic Bronze Age’s affinity for intricate metalwork and symbolism.
- Bronze bracelets: She wore bronze bracelets on her arms, indicating status and perhaps serving as a sign of her community’s social hierarchy.
The unique clothing and accessories of the Egtved Girl caused a sensation when they were unearthed. Her outfit remains the best-preserved example of Bronze Age clothing in northern Europe, shedding light on the attire and adornments of the period.
Items Found in the Egtved Girl’s Coffin
Beyond her outfit, various artifacts were found in the coffin, each providing further insight into Bronze Age customs and beliefs.
- Cremated Remains of a Child: At the foot of the coffin, the cremated remains of a child aged 5 to 6 years were discovered. The significance of this is still debated, but it has been speculated that the child may have been a close relative or a symbolic offering.
- Birch Bark Box: Near her head was a small birch bark box containing personal items such as an awl, bronze pins, and a hair net. These items suggest that the Egtved Girl may have taken pride in her appearance and possibly engaged in crafting or other fine tasks that required metal tools.
- Bucket of Beer: On top of the coffin was a bucket of beer, made from a combination of wheat, honey, bog myrtle, and cowberries. This unique brew, typical of the time, is a testament to the social and ceremonial importance of alcoholic beverages in Bronze Age society. The presence of beer in her burial site also suggests that the community may have believed in providing sustenance for the journey to the afterlife.
- Yarrow Flowers: Flowering yarrow plants were placed on her coffin, which has led researchers to conclude that her burial took place in the summer months. In addition to being seasonal, yarrow held medicinal and ceremonial significance, symbolizing a potential blessing or farewell ritual.
Burial Practices and Beliefs in Bronze Age Denmark
The Egtved Girl’s burial practices reflect the religious beliefs and ritualistic customs of the Nordic Bronze Age. The items placed in her coffin suggest that her people practiced ancestor worship and believed in an afterlife where the deceased would need tools and offerings. Burial in bogs, with the preservation of the remains, may also indicate a desire to ensure the integrity of the body after death, a practice seen in multiple cultures.
Furthermore, the inclusion of bronze jewelry, functional tools, and personal adornments implies a culture that valued status, identity, and personal achievements even in death.
Preservation of the Egtved Girl: The Role of Bogs
The Egtved Girl’s excellent state of preservation is largely due to the acidic bog conditions in Denmark. Bogs create an anaerobic environment where the absence of oxygen prevents the growth of microorganisms that would typically decompose organic material. The high tannin content in bog water further aids preservation, allowing materials like skin, clothing, and hair to survive for thousands of years.
This preservation method is not unique to the Egtved Girl; other significant discoveries, such as bog bodies like the Tollund Man and Grauballe Man, have also been uncovered in similar conditions. Each discovery from a bog offers a unique look into ancient life, as the preservation allows for detailed examination of clothing, diet, and cultural practices.
The Legacy and Importance of the Egtved Girl Today
The Egtved Girl has become an iconic figure in archaeology and Nordic history, representing one of the best-preserved examples of a Bronze Age burial. Her remains, outfit, and artifacts have contributed significantly to our understanding of Bronze Age fashion, burial rituals, and daily life in northern Europe.
Her discovery continues to influence archaeological studies, serving as a point of comparison for other findings across Europe. Furthermore, the Egtved Girl’s legacy lives on in modern fashion and media, where her iconic outfit and mysterious presence continue to inspire artistic interpretations and historical reenactments.
Conclusion: A Window into the Bronze Age World
The discovery of the Egtved Girl offers a rare and valuable glimpse into the Nordic Bronze Age, a time when communities were shaped by their connection to the land, ritualistic beliefs, and intricate craftsmanship. Her burial, from the carefully arranged artifacts to her unique clothing, reveals a society that celebrated life and death with equal reverence.
As we uncover more about the Egtved Girl and similar archaeological finds, we gain a deeper appreciation for the people who walked the Earth over 3,000 years ago. The story of the Egtved Girl, from her life as a young woman in Bronze Age Denmark to her meticulously preserved burial, remains a testament to the endurance of human culture and the mysteries still waiting to be discovered beneath the earth.