The identification and use of fur and feathers excavated from the late iron age and early medieval (12th-13th) centuries) Ravattula Ristimaki Cemetery in Kaarina, Southwest Finland

Abstract

The Ristimäki ('Cross Hill') inhumation cemetery in Ravattula village in Kaarina municipality, Southwest Finland, dates to the Late Iron Age and Early Medieval times (12th–13th centuries). In addition to a large cemetery, this site is documented as having remains of the earliest known church in the country. This study presents the descriptions of fur garments, fur-lined artefacts and grave furnishings that were excavated in Ravattula Ristimäki in 2010–16. Animal hairs and feathers were preserved in eight out of the 61 burials excavated in the research project. We identified eight species of mammals and one family of birds (Anatidae) from the burials that contained organic material. Human scalp hair was found in several female burials, adding information on the hairstyles of the period. Together with blankets filled with feathers, these items indicate highly versatile and varied burial customs within the cemetery. This study provides new evidence of the use of fur garments and accessories, as well as grave furnishings, at the dawn of Christianity in Northern Europe.