In our opinion, the objective of the 2023 subproject has been met. Knowledge of the various sub-areas of the archaeological site has increased significantly with regard to Vång Hill, the arable land south of it, and also the presence of finds outside the core area of the settlement. On several points, there is now a broad knowledge base on which to base any decision on further investigations concerning, for example, the remains up on the hill. The different interpretation options for the building on Vång Hill underline the importance of further chronological and stratigraphic analysis of the excavation results and the sample material collected from the current and previous surveys. A crucial prerequisite for further interpretation of the building phase(s) represented by the remains on Vång Hill is that the dating basis is expanded. This future work should focus on bringing chronological clarity to the construction elements investigated between the years 2019 and 2023. These elements also include the documented floor levels. Therefore, during the current investigation, two samples for micromorphological analysis were secured in the area of Trench A, where the most coherent layer sequences were observed (see Appendix 3m). An interesting feature of the construction on the Vång hill is the significant element of stone packings and stone layers. These can be seen in the form of both the northern bounding stone packings, which were partly investigated in previous years, but also in the ditch and the foundational stone layer, which were investigated in the current investigation. The stone construction elements may indicate that further parallels to the building on the hill in Västra Vång may be possible in the future when their design and chronology have been further investigated in a more comprehensive excavation. Today, the archaeological situation in Västra Vång is far more complicated than could have been predicted at the time of the first excavations at the settlement in 2004 (see Henriksson 2006 and 2024 and fig. 9). Not least the various metal detection surveys over the years the years have effectively contributed to expanding knowledge of the spatial extent, character and temporal depth of the archaeological site. This experience should, of course, be taken into account when discussions are held about possibly finding and delimiting further settlements along the Johannishus ridge, but also elsewhere in the county. The same applies to the exploratory investigations in various sub-areas in the arable land around Vång Hill. These have been cost-effective in terms of locating and delimiting traces of archaeological remains. The combination of extensive volunteer activities focusing on topsoil archaeology has further contributed to rich knowledge of the settlement as a whole. However, to fully understand the settlement's building and crafts areas requires not only a diagnostic archaeology that uncovers and recovers, but also one that investigates the settlement's remains to a much greater extent with far greater financial resources have been available so far.
Lund University (Sweden)
CC-BY 4.0
During metal detecting in the field in 2022-23, a total of 331 artefacts were recovered (Fig. 2). Of these, just over 10 were clearly datable to the Iron Age/medieval period. Previously registered areas within the settlement were given an even more clarification through the finds, and in several cases new find spots were added. This applies in particular to the immediate area around the Kasa hill grave field with fibulae, a fitting in the form of a small bronze mask and a fragmentary arm ring of silver, dating from the Migration to Viking periods (Appendices 6 and 7). In addition to this, further finds were found that suggest an even older presence in Vång in the form of fragments of a double button and a socketed axe from the Bronze Age.
13. VV2023 Investigations on the Hill site. Interpretation
The investigations on Vång Hill 2023 yielded a number of results regarding the interpreted structure dating to the Late and possibly also the Early Iron Age, which was documented on the highest crest of the hill during the previous years. For example, the presence of floor layers could be detected in both trench A and trench B. This had a very similar character compared to the floor layers previously documented and it therefore seems likely that it should be interpreted as belonging together (see Appendix 3i). The posthole that was partially investigated in 2017 (Henriksson 2018) could also be confirmed and its similarity to the posthole that was fully investigated in 2021 (Henriksson 2022; Svensson & Derudas 2024) supports the interpretation of them both as constituting parts of the same structure, or buildings in different phases. Recently, an interpretation of the building on Vång Hill has been presented (Svensson & Derudas 2024). This is largely a parallel to the Iron Age cult houses that have been found at central sites such as Uppåkra (Larsson & Lenntorp 2004) and Järrestad (Söderberg 2006). In the southernmost part of trench A, a stone formation is seen which hypothetically could constitute another conglomerate of postholes (see appendix 3j). If this can be interpreted as a posthole, this would support the previously presented interpretation. The presence of floor layers in large parts of the proposed extension also argues in favour of this. The hypothetically proposed building phase would measure just over ten metres in an east-west direction and up to six metres in a north-south width (see Appendix 3k). The trestle width of the proposed pairs of posts, which amounts to between two and three metres, given that each area consists of several overlapping postholes, seems somewhat large in relation to the Scanian parallels cited above. Nevertheless, several of the results from the 2023 investigations, taken together with the previous state of knowledge, indicate that the proposed interpretation may be plausible. In this context, the posthole investigated in trench A during the current excavation is a complicating factor. In relation to the posthole investigated in 2019-2021, a trestle width of approximately 0.8 metres would be measured between the two. With such a trestle width for the construction, for example, greater similarities with the interpreted cult house in Järrestad would be seen (Söderberg 2006). If the posthole in question is to be interpreted on the basis of its similarity to the previously investigated one in trench A, however, the deposition pits investigated in 2021 should possibly also be reinterpreted as overlapping postholes. In such a case, the interpretation of the trestle width and distance would be considerably more difficult. On the other hand, it seems reasonable to interpret ditch 1065 in a delimiting function in relation to a narrower building phase based on both location and character (see Appendix 3l). A posthole parallel to that investigated within trench B at a distance of 0.8 metres has not been located in the current or previous investigations. In broader interpretation of the proposed building phase, a hypothetical parallel posthole would be located just over 1.5 metres from the area subject to stratigraphic investigation (see Appendix 3k). A parallel posthole in the narrower interpretation would be located considerably closer and would also be tangent to stratigraphically investigated trenches (see Appendix 3l). The 2013 investigations included the area where the two hypothetical parallel postholes are estimated to be located. However, the part of the then excavated area where the postholes could have been located was only subject to top soil stripping during these campaigns (Henriksson 2016). Based on the current state of knowledge, it therefore seems likely that both interpretations of building phases can be proposed on equally strong grounds. The most reasonable approach would seem to be that they are two chronologically distinct phases, which share certain elements of the structure, such as the northern bounding stone packings.
VV2023 Trench A and B May 5-eoe (3D model)
12. VV2023 Investigations on the Hill site. Finds
The finds recovered from the investigation on the hill were relatively few in number. This can be attributed to the excavations focus on selected construction details and its spatial limitations. A number of fragments of copper alloy difficult to interpret, fragmented clay pottery and a single shard of beaker glass, a silver coin and a gold foil figurine were recovered from trench A. The latter (Find nr 117) was found when cleaning topsoil in the southern area of the trench where a large posthole had been investigated in previous years. The silver coin and the largest amount of other finds were retrieved from the upper topsoil-affected cultural layer 1050, while the underlying floor layer and ditch were remarkably empty of finds. However, a fragment of Cu alloy was retrieved from the ditch fill. A shard of beaker glass, some Cu-alloy fragments and burnt clay were retrieved from the posthole fill. Trench B yielded mainly burnt bone and burnt clay, but also a whetstone, an iron object, slag and occasional pottery. The whetstone and slag fragment were recovered from the upper topsoil-affected cultural layer, which also contained fragments of burnt clay. Burnt bone and daub were recovered from the fill of the posthole and similar finds could also be attributed to the other investigated layers. The iron artefact was retrieved from one of the floor layer remains. The few finds retrieved during the current investigation reflect well the type of finds previously retrieved from Vång Hill. Overall, the similarity in terms of finds, in line with other excavation results, suggests that all the contexts investigated belong to a coherent environment. However, this has a certain stratigraphic complexity and probably also a chronological depth beyond what can currently be proven.
11. VV2023 Investigations on the Hill site (trench B). Context 1068
After the stone layer, a layer dominated burnt material (1068) was found. This is interpreted as the same layer as a similar layer documented in trench A between 2019-2021 (Henriksson 2022; Svensson & Derudas 2024). The stratigraphic situation for both previously investigated parts of trench A and the parts of trench B investigated in 2023 is similar, which is why this parallel is proposed. One difference between the two trenches is the stone layer seen within trench below the floor layer level. No equivalent to this has been observed in previous investigations in trench A.
10. VV2023 Investigations on the Hill site (trench B). Context 1071
This probably continues westwards beyond the limits of the trench and its extent and function could not be ascertained within the current investigation. Directly below the floor layer level a layer consisting of larger and smaller stones (1071) was investigated. This is interpreted to represent the foundation and ground levelling in the first phase of the construction (see Appendix 3h). It is possible that the stone accumulation 1060 should also be seen as part of this layer, but with an unclear stratigraphic position.
9.VV2023 Investigations on the Hill site (trench B). Floor layer 1060
Under the thin possible upper floor layer, remains of a lower, more substantial floor layer was documented. However, this was not preserved over the entire extent of the trench (see Appendix 3g). Similar to what was observed for trench A during previous investigations, the floor layers consisted of mottled yellow and dark brown sequences of sandy silt. Notable for the parts of floor layers investigated in trench B in 2023 is a dominance of darker parts, probably caused by a larger content of charcoal and burnt material. In the western part of the trench, at the same level as the floor layers, an irregular stone accumulation (1060) was documented.
8. VV2023 Investigations on the Hill site (trench B). Posthole 1072
Within trench B, a posthole (1072), multi-level floor layers (1053 (1058), 1061 (1062)), a stony layer interpreted as a levelling layer linked to the structure's foundation (1071) and an underlying layer of burnt material (1068) were investigated. Similar to the situation in trench A, the upper stratigraphy consisted of a cultural layer affected by topsoil (1051 and 1055). After this, a thin layer of silty clay which spread throughout the trench, which was interpreted as a possible upper floor layer. The layer covered posthole 1072 (see Appendix 3f). We miss the record for context 1072, the cut!
7. VV2023 Investigations on the Hill site (trench A). Layers 1065 and 1069
Within this, part of a slightly curved ditch (1065) was documented and excavated, which was mostly filled with stone (see appendix 3e). Stratigraphically, it was not possible to determine whether the floor layer covered the ditch or whether the latter delimited the layer. The possibilities are therefore that the ditch is a drainage or construction ditch in the outer part of the structure or that it belongs to an older building phase. South of the trench a small remnant of a floor layer (1069) and a stony area were found, which was interpreted as part of a larger stone packing or a larger posthole, similar to the one investigated during the 2019-2021 investigation campaigns (see appendix 3j and 3k for interpretation suggestions).
6. VV2023 Investigations on the Hill site (trench A). Layers 1050 and 1052
With regard to layers, an upper (1050) and a lower (1052) layer were documented within trench A. The upper layer was clearly affected by root activity and infiltration from overlying topsoil. The lower layer was very similar in character to the floor layers documented in previous investigations (Henriksson 2022; Svensson & Derudas 2024) and is thus interpreted as a direct continuation of these. The floor layer partly covered posthole 1064 (see appendix 3c). Directly south of the floor layer was a stone-covered surface, which could be clearly distinguished from the extent of the floor layer (see appendix 3d).
5. VV2023 Investigations on the Hill site (trench A). Posthole and ditch
Within trench A, a posthole (1064), a ditch (1065) and remains of floor layers and stone layers were investigated in the southern part, which constituted an area not previously stratigraphically investigated. Three layers of varying character and thickness were documented within the boundary of the posthole (contexts 1057, 1059, 1063). The uppermost (context 1057) consisted of yellow-brown clayey silt. This layer was strongly reminiscent of the floor layer which completely or partially covered the feature. Below this was the main fill of the posthole (context 1059), which consisted of brown clayey silt and stone. Beneath this layer a gravelier layer was observed (context 1063), which gradually changed into a layer with a greater element of gravel, but which was still judged to be a cultural layer. As it was not possible within the limited investigation to assess whether the layer constituted another layer in the posthole or an underlying context, the investigation of the feature at this level was stopped. In terms of shape and stone content, the feature is interpreted as a backfilled posthole. However, it should be clearly emphasised that the feature was located in the same area as two overlapping pits that were investigated in 2021 (see Appendix 3l). These consisted of stone-filled pits, which at the time of the investigation were interpreted as deposition pits for deliberately dismantled bronze cauldrons (Henriksson 2022; Helgesson & Svensson 2024). The feature examined in the current investigation thus constitutes an additional pit-feature in this complex. Whether this group constitute overlapping deposition pits or postholes cannot be fully clarified at present, however. The distance to the posthole located to the north may indicate that the presently investigated feature is the southern part of a pair of trestle posts. An equally likely alternative is that the complex can be interpreted as a collection of overlapping deposition pits placed between the pair of trestle posts in the building and that the southern posthole in the current pair of trestle posts can be sought further south. Based on the limited area of investigation so far, both options should be considered plausible.
4. VV2023 Results. Investigations on the settlement site (2022)
The total area excavated in the field south of the hill was 212 m2. Weather conditions for the period were extremely dry, resulting in a less distinct cleaning than in the neighbouring 2021 survey area. More than 15 new features, mainly in the form of postholes and hearths, were documented on the surface (Appendices 1 and 2), which seemed to indicate post-built buildings and structures of some kind as well as activities at the site. The structures were only cleaned down to the level of the preserved cultural layer in the eastern part of the trench. However, none of them were investigated. Linear stretches of different coloured sand were noted during the excavation, which were immediately identified as possible remaining traces of the older road past Vångs by (appendix 1: A777 and A778). Diagnostic excavation down to sterile sub-soil was done in the central part of the trench, with the aim of getting a representative picture of the character and thickness of the cultural layer. The cultural layer consists of a dark grey to black, silty and in places heavily soot-covered sand, and the soil characteristics is the same in this area as in most other places on the settlement. As in 2021, no cultural layer was preserved in the northernmost part of the trench, but the feature horizon emerged here directly under a 0.30 - 0.35 m thick topsoil layer. On the slope to the south the thickness increased, so that in the centre of the trench it was about 0.4 m thick. Further south the layer thinned to about 0.15 m. Towards the west the microtopography gradually went upwards, so that only patchy, thin strips of cultural layers could be observed west of the interpreted road bank A778. Features A777 and A778 appeared directly under the topsoil as a layer of light grey sand. Further cleaning, especially of A778, revealed that beneath the 0.20 m thick sand, parallel, 0.30-0.35 m wide strips of more humic sand appeared, mainly within a 5.0 m wide corridor in a NW-SE direction. On this claened level, single, iron nails (ron nails interpreted as being older than modern period) and heavily degraded iron fragments as well as a few pottery fragments were found. A narrow excavation was carried out by hand in A777 towards the northern edge of the trench (see picture on the front page of the report). This revealed that under a 0.35 m thick topsoil there was a level of light grey sand similar to that in A778. This was followed by a more compact layer of brownish grey silt, which at a depth of 0.7 m seemed to change into a dark brown silt with some small stones. This layer was up to 0.4 m thick and was followed by what was interpreted in the field as an undisturbed sterile subsoil. It should be emphasised that the narrow trench through A777 was dug by hand and under time pressure, so the results must be seen as partly hypothetical. Interpretation The interpreted direction of A777 and A778 is consistent with that of the older main country-side road, which is visible on older maps, but sometimes also as crop-marks and as lighter lines on aerial photographs. There is no doubt about this. The deeper part of the profile of A777 gave the impression of being a cultivated soil, which was emphasised by a prehistoric pottery find (Blm 29750:464). With the current state of knowledge it cannot be established whether this horizon represents an older sunken track, but it is a reasonable working hypothesis until a larger excavation by machine can be carried out at the site. Finds Finds were collected during the excavation by dry sieving or hand picking during fine cleaning of the strippe surface. Only 34 artefacts were surveyed to find point in the trench, and then exclusively in connection with the cultural layer in its northern part. These finds underlined the earlier interpretation of a sub-area within the settlement characterised by crafts and everyday activities. For example, a number of smithing hearth bottom (SHB), copper alloy melts were found, as well as several fragments of crucibles, loom weights and simple household pottery. The topsoil finds also corresponded with the finds that had previously been retrieved south of Vångkullen (Appendix 6).
For logistical reasons, the investigations had to be divided into two field seasons. The investigation of the settlement (L1978:8879/RAÄ Hjortsberga 307) was extended to the period 18-29 August 2022. During this phase, a trench of just under 212 m2 was opened, with some overlap with the western part of the 2021 investigation area. Stripping was done in layers with an excavator, during which surface cleaning was done by hand. Finds encountered at the level of features and cultural layers were mainly surveyed with GPS or recorded manually on an analogue, scaled drawing, and finally screen-digitised against the digital property map in Sweref 99 (TM). Documentation was mainly carried out with a digital camera, but to some extent also through scaled hand drawing. The second phase of the investigation was carried out on the hill (L1978:8860/RAÄ Hjortsberga 306) during the period 2-8 May 2023. Two trenches were opened (Trench A and Trench B (see appendix 3a and 3b). These partly overlapped with the trenches opened 2017-2021 (Trench A) and 2017 (Trench B). The previous trenches also had the same IDs in previous investigations (Henriksson 2018; 2020; 2021). Trench A measured 3 x 2 m in a north-south direction and Trench B just over 2 x 1.5 m in an irregular rectangular shape (see appendix 3b). In both trenches, the topsoil layer was removed by hand down to the cultural layer level where stratigraphic investigation took place. Documentation was carried out in its entirety by photogrammetric method (IBM) within the tool AIR (Archaeolo gical Interactive Reports), developed at Lund University (Derudas et al 2023). In order to expand the interpretative basis for the complex stratigraphic situation on Vångkullen, all contexts that were interpreted to be related to the building or its preceding phases were sampled. In the northern part of Trench A, a smaller part was opened, which overlapped with the investigation trench from 2021. In this area, no features or layers were investigated, but the effort was focused on securing samples from the floor-layer sequence documented in 2021 (Henriksson 2022). Sampled material from the investigations in 2023 is intended to form the basis for future archaeobotanical and micromorphological analysis (see Appendix 3b). As in several previous field seasons, metal detector excavation was carried out in 2022 and 2023 by free searching in predefined and previously evaluated sub-areas. This time, areas were also added around the Kasa Kulle grave field (Fig. 2). Finds were collected in the larger trench to a large extent by hand picking in connection with topsoil stripping and in particular fine cleaning of the surface. In addition, finds were recovered during dry sieving of the stripped topsoil. The finds on the hill were recovered exclusively by hand picking in situ in connection with the ongoing 3D documentation. The finds from the detector surveys were continuously recorded on analogue field maps. These were rectified after the fieldwork, and then formed the basis for the creation of a GIS layer for the recovered finds, which formed the basis for a revision of the heritage site geometries in Fornsök. Archaeological staff from Blekinge Museum and Lund University participated in the field. Metal detector surveys were carried out by three specially selected hobby detectorists with previous experience of work in Västra Vång. Volunteers from the archaeological societies of Kronoberg and Blekinge participated in the survey of the shaft in the field. Digital surveying was carried out by Andreas Svensson, Lund University and Niclas Olsson, Blekinge Surveyor. The conservation work was carried out by Max Jahrehorn, Oxider AB. The handling of finds done by Hanna Sjöberg and Siiri Irskog at Blekinge Museum and Sara Ahlgren, intern at the same institution.
VV2023 Trench A and B May 2-2 (3D model)
The overall aim of the 2022-2023 subproject was to clarify the state of knowledge and present an updated picture of the archaeological site. The aim of the project 2022-23 was to use field archaeological methods such as excavation, sampling and metal detecting to obtain further knowledge about Västra Vång, both up on the hill and in the arable land south of it, and to put this in relation to an already existing state of knowledge. The specific purpose of the investigations on the hill in 2023 was to clarify the interpretative basis for the building remains, which had been the subject of investigation for several years (Svensson & Derudas 2024). In particular, the investigation focused on verifying previous results regarding postholes and floor layers, and if possible investigating the relationship between stonework and construction within the intended southeastern part of the building. As in 2021, the investigations on the hill were part of the DIAD (Digital Integration Across Disciplines) project at Lund University. The project was a collaboration between linguistics and archaeology and meant that the investigations on the Vång hill were documented in sound and image in order to create a basis for a reflexive analysis of the fieldwork (Berggren et al. in prep).When investigating and detecting the arable land, the main focus was on clarifying the nature and extent of the settlement and craft areas south of the hill and in the direction of the Kasa Kulle grave field (Fig. 2).
1. VV2023 Topography and heritage environment
The village of Västra Vångs is located in the Blekinge midlands, as the crow flies, about a mile north-east of the urban centre of Ronneby and less than a mile (Note: Swedish mile = 10 km) from the sea (fig.1). The pebble ridge called Johannishusåsen, which is clearly visible in places, gives the local N-S running valley its character. This is due to a combination of flat, undulating moraine heights and now drained wetlands. The higher terrain to the east and west of the valley is forested, while the valley itself is largely cultivated. The archaeological picture is dominated by graves from the Bronze and Iron Ages on marked elevations in the terrain. There are also a small number of registered settlements from the Neolithic period onwards in arable and meadow land. The historical village of Vång has not been affected by later land reforms, and is at least already in the 17th century divided into two locations, one east and the other west of the valley. Since the late 17th century, the village has been incorporated into the ownership of the Johan-nishus estate. Evidence of ancient remains within the village has been documented in particular in fields and meadows, on and around the high ground in the centre of the valley. The dated remains range chronologically from the pre-Roman Iron Age to the late Viking Age.
Since 2012, an archaeological research project on Iron Age Blekinge is ongoing. Within this framework, Västra Vångs village in Hjortsberga parish has special focus. The settlement found in connection with the village has a settlement continuity from the Roman Iron Age to the Viking Age and has a high scientific potential in several ways. Over the years the work has mainly been carried out through Blekinge Museum's collaboration with Lund University and Södertörn University, but with significant help also from associations and individual volunteers. The project has in many ways increased knowledge of the importance of the village and expanded our understanding of the region during the Iron Age. An overall state of knowledge is reported in an English-language publication published in spring 2024 (Henriksson et al. 2024). Fieldwork over the years has focused on obtaining new knowledge that contributes to a discussion of central places and more fundamental aspects relating to economic and social issues concerning both Iron Age Vång and Iron Age Blekinge more generally. Ritual remains have been repeatedly investigated, not least on the hill in the centre of the settlement. In parallel with this, investigations and documentation have also been carried out in the sub-areas of the settlement where dwellings and craft activities of various kinds have been identified. The Vång project 2022-23 was carried out in accordance with the County Administrative Board's decision and paragraph 2. 8 § Kul- turmiljölagen (1988:950) (431-3886-2022). The investigation was funded by some contribution from Ronneby municipality and by self-financing of Blekinge Museum, Lund University and through the participation of volunteers from the ancient monument associations in Blekinge and Kronoberg. This report is a comprehensive account of the results of the archaeological research campaigns 2022-23.
meter
VV2018 Sample 11
Environmental sample taken from context 239
Environmental sample
context 239 not registered in the GIS
VV2018 Sample 10
Environmental sample taken from context 2002
VV2018 Sample 9
Environmental sample taken from context 2001 - taken below context 413
VV2018 Sample 8
Environmental sample taken from context 150 - lowest deposit
VV2018 Sample 7
Environmental sample taken from context 150 - lower deposit
VV2018 Sample 6
Environmental sample taken from context 150 - top deposit
VV2018 Sample 5
Environmental sample taken from context 151
VV2018 Sample 4
Environmental sample taken from context 152
VV2018 Sample 3
Environmental sample taken from context 147
environmental sample
VV2018 Sample 2
Environmental sample taken from context 144
VV2018 Sample 1
Environmental sample taken from context 146
VV2018 find A019
burnt clay
daub
Fragment
Hjortsberga 121
Blekinge Museum
gram
fragment
retrieval context (context 230 in trench 2) yet to be registered
VV2018 find A404
retrieval context ( context 239 trench 3) yet to be registered
VV2018 find A356
glass object
sherd
glass
retrieval context (context 239 trench 3) yet to be registered
VV2018 find A403
Burnt clay
VV2018 find A402
pottery
Pottery
VV2018 find A401
iron object
Nail
Iron
VV2018 find A400
animal bone
Bone
VV2018 find A399
VV2018 find A398
VV2018 find A397
stone object
Wetstone/Grindstone
Stone
VV2018 find A396
Resin
VV2018 find A395
amber pearl
Complete
Hjortsberga 321
stone
VV2018 find A394
VV2018 find A392
VV2018 find A391
flint
Burnt flint
Flint
VV2018 find A390
VV2018 find A389
VV2018 find A388
VV2018 find A021
Holder
VV2018 find A013
Fire striker
fill
Fill of smaller posthole near pithouse 2011
trowel
terrain
VV20180822 Trench 3 (3D model)
3D model of trench 3 on 22-08-2018
nxz
IBM
Agisoft Metashape
VV20180821 Trench 3 (3D model)
3D model of trench 3 on 21-08-2018
VV20180824 Trench 3 finds (3D model)
3D model of trench 3 with finds on 24-08-2019
VV20180824 Trench 3 (3D model)
3D model of trench 3 on 24-08-2018
VV20180822 Trench 2 3 (3D model)
third 3D model of trench 2 on 22-08-2021
VV20180822 Trench 2 2 (3D model)
second 3D model of trench 2 on 22-08-2020
VV20180822 Trench 2 1 (3D model)
3D model of trench 2 on 22-08-2019
VV20180822 Trench 1 2 (3D model)
second 3D model of trench 1 on 22-08-2018
VV20180822 Trench 1 (3D model)
3D model of trench 1 on 22-08-2018
VV20180821 Trench 2 2 (3D model)
second 3D model of trench 2 on 21-08-2018
VV20180821 Trench 2 (3D model)
3D model of trench 2on 21-08-2019
VV20180821 Trench 1 (3D model)
3D model of trench 1 on 21-08-2018
cut
Posthole Cut
cut for posthole
cut of backfilled posthole
excavated 50%
VV2018 context 2030
VV2018 context 2005
backfill of posthole
fill of backfilled posthole
VV2018 context 2004
VV2018 context 2003
VV2018 context 2010
lower/primary fill of pithouse
primary fill of pithouse and possible floor layer
VV2018 context 152
fill of posthole
fill of posthole 2009
VV2018 context 151
fill of hearth
fill of hearth close to pithouse
VV2018 context 150
upper fill of pithouse
backfill of pithouse of cut 2011
VV2018 context 147
fill of shallow posthole
fill of shallow posthole 2013
VV2018 context 146
fill of posthole (2008)
single backfill of posthole
VV2018 context 2013
cut for shallow posthole
cut for shallow posthole filled by 147
VV2018 context 2012
cut for hearth
cut for hearth filled by 151
VV2018 context 2011
Pit Cut
cut for pithouse
cut for pithouse filled with 2010 and 150
VV2018 context 2009
cut for posthole filled by 152
VV2018 context 2008
cut for posthole filled by 146
VV2018 context 2007
small posthole filled by single fill 144
excavation trench
Elongated rectangular trench with NE-SW orientation eastside of the hill
excavator
Irregular trench east side of the hill
drone IBM
VV2023 find A023
CC-BY 4.19
VV2023 find A022
beaker
Green beaker shard. Decorated with 4 lines
CC-BY 4.8
VV2023 find A021
copper object
copper-alloy
CC-BY 4.5
VV2023 find A020
Small fragment
CC-BY 4.2
VV2023 find A019
Daub
Fragment. Same bag as 114 (A012)
CC-BY 4.18
VV2023 find A018
Flat fragments
CC-BY 4.1
VV2023 find A017
CC-BY 4.17
VV2023 find A016
CC-BY 4.20
VV2023 find A015
ben
bone
CC-BY 4.13
VV2023 find A014
Fragment. Retrieved from under a larger stone
CC-BY 4.10
VV2023 find A013
Object
L shaped in context 1061
iron
CC-BY 4.3
VV2023 find A012
CC-BY 4.11
VV2023 find A011
craft debris metal
slag
VV2023 find A010
CC-BY 4.21
VV2023 find A009
CC-BY 4.12
VV2023 find A008
CC-BY 4.9
VV2023 find A007
Whetstone
6,5x1,5cm. Pierced at one end
slate
CC-BY 4.7
VV2023 find A006
CC-BY 4.15
VV2023 find A005
CC-BY 4.6
VV2023 find A004
CC-BY 4.4
VV2023 find A003
CC-BY 4.16
VV2023 find A002
metal object
coin
Complete. Sven Estridssen AD 1047-1074
silver
VV2023 find A001
gold object
foil figurine
Complete. From topsoil within c1031 posthole
gold
VV2023 Sample 13
Micromorphology sample
Samples are stored at Sydsvensk Arkeologi, Malmö
VV2023 Sample 12
VV2023 Sample 11
Environmental sample taken from layer below c1060
2 bags
VV2023 Sample 10
Environmental sample taken from third fill of posthole c1064
VV2023 Sample 9
Environmental sample taken from patch of floor similar to c1061
VV2023 Sample 8
Environmental sample taken from floor layer
VV2023 Sample 7
Environmental sample taken from second fill of posthole c1064
VV2023 Sample 6
Environmental sample taken from fill of possible constructional ditch
VV2023 Sample 5
Environmental sample taken from top fill of posthole c1064
VV2023 Sample 4
Environmental sample taken from layer of large stones below floor c1061
VV2023 Sample 3
Environmental sample taken from fill of posthole c106
VV2023 Sample 2
Environmental sample taken from layer above floor c1061
VV2023 Sample 1
Environmental sample taken from an upper floor layer affected by humus
layer
Large stones with dry fill laid down as part of the first construction phase of the building in order to level the surface
subcircular
fine-grained sediments
clayey
silt
Root disturbance in the SE part of Trench A
irregular
humus
unexcavated layer of stones south of ditch 1065
individual find
Hjortsberga 306
millimeter
object
3D model of find A043
structured light scanner
Artec Studio 18
Trenches A and B excavated in 2023
VV2023 Trench A May 4 c1059-2 (3D model)
VV2017 Trench A end of excavation (3D model)
VV2017 Trench B on August 24 3 (3D model)
VV2019 Trench A end of excavation (3D model)
VV2021 Trench A on November 12 at the end of excavation(3D model)
Västra Vång is an Iron Age central place in the region of Blekinge (south-eastern Sweden) . The site was identified in 2004 when archaeologists recognized evidence of occupation spanning from the Roman Iron Age to the Viking period (0–1100 CE) (Henriksson, 2006, 2022a). The site's central role and its economic prosperity throughout the Scandinavian Iron Age are proven by the rich find materials retrieved during the numerous excavation campaigns conducted at the site (Derudas et al., 2023). In the central part of the site, a ritual complex was identified that was likely inhabited between the Scandinavian Late Bronze Age (1100 BCE–500 CE) or the Pre-Roman Iron Age (500 BCE–0 CE) (Henriksson, 2016) and the Late Germanic Iron Age (Swedish Vendel Period 550–800 CE) (Svensson & Derudas, forthcoming). Several investigation seasons took place at the site in a collaboration between Blekinge Museum and Lund University. Here, you can explore the excavation datasets.
Joannishus 1:2 Hjortsberga, sn Ronneby Kommun Blekinge län
6. Vångakullen and archaeology. The importance of analysing the finds
In some situations, finds may be encountered in such a way that they cannot be fully associated with undisturbed strata or sites. However, they can still be linked to an overall picture. The gold foil figures of the hill, known as guldgubbar (click here to see all the guldgubbar from Vång), are examples of such finds. Some of these have been found quite superficially within the area of the remains. Most are otherwise clearly associated with the silty, deposited soil layers and then at the same level as most of the glass beaker fragments found on the mound. In 2021, a foil figure appeared at the edge, a little lower in the larger posthole. The fact that a fragment of a more recent chalk pipe also appeared at the bottom of the posthole suggests that someone, perhaps in the 17th or 19th century, may have rearranged the stratigraphic sequence. This tendency to rearrange the context could also be observed in the soil layer of the posthole. The lesson is that finds are not necessarily in their original position just because we in modern times consider the remains as a whole to be largely untouched and unaltered. The overall testimony of the 2021 finds was in line with expectations, both in terms of quantity and degree of preservation. The same was true for the knowledge gained from the documentation and excavation of the layers and structures within the six square metre survey area. Further research into the depths of the remains on the hill will gradually complete the picture.
VV2021 Trench A on November 9_2 (3D model)
5. Vångakullen and archaeology. Reconstructing the puzzle
Further research on the vessels and cauldrons is time-consuming and complicated. As usual, 3D photogrammetry is carried out as part of the field documentation. In the case of finds, this is often supplemented by further digital scans of objects before and after conservation. The high-resolution 3D models are finally available and can be studied individually or together with similar artefacts found in the vicinity of the hill. The puzzle of reconstructing the broken pots and vessels can be solved digitally, but is also anchored in further detailed studies of the actual finds, their alloy content and, not least, how they were destroyed and finally deposited on the site. We have seen that some artefacts were found in poor condition on the hill, not least because of the fragmented bronzes. However, there are other materials that are problematic in terms of conservation. These should not be ignored just because they are not made of precious metal. One such object appeared in season 2021, a heavily rusted 20 cm long object that was difficult to type in the field , like in the case of find A14 After conservation, however, it became clear that the object was a Migration Period lance head. Weapons are not very common in Iron Age settlements. The fact that several arrowheads, lance and spearheads and sword parts have been found at Vång underlines the special status of this particular settlement. In particular, the weapons found on the hill, and especially in the ritual building, must be evaluated in terms of what special function they may have had in such a special environment.
VV2021 Trench A on November 10 (3D model)
4. Vångakullen and archaeology. Complexity of the excavation
The complexity becomes most apparent when we consider the extensive presence of copper alloys found on the mound. The mask image that emerged in 2004 was followed in 2013 by numerous other finds of the same or similar character. Most of these are thought to be associated with bronze vessels and pots from the Celtic/Roman period up to the 5th-6th century AD. There are fully comprehensible handles and supports, clear belly and mouth fragments, and artistically executed decorative elements. Many of the finds are otherwise badly degraded, irregular, and difficult to interpret. What is certain is that all these fragments represent several different objects that were distributed and deposited at different levels and floor layers within the ritual building on the hill. Several such artefacts were also found during fieldwork in 2021. One example is a cast holder for the handle or handle of a cauldron find A15 . Another is a thin, hammered, and riveted fragment of the rim of a cauldron. The thin bronze shows what appears to be part of the hairstyle of a person or deity find A14 .
VV2021 Trench A on November 11 (3D model)
3. Vångakullen and archaeology. Interpreting the remains
Stones laid in orderly rows or as packed surfaces constitute concrete and highly residual traces on the hill . However, when it comes to interpreting the remains of houses, it is what is not visible or preserved that must be taken into account in the interpretation. The walls themselves have disappeared but finds of mud bricks at least suggest that there were walls at some point. A roof or other superstructure would have had some kind of support. The outline of a 10x5 meter house has been identified on the 2012 georadar images. These showed concentrations of stone in places within the proposed building. During the 2021 fieldwork, the ground was excavated immediately adjacent to such a concentration, which eventually turned out to be a posthole up to one meter across. The deep pit was filled with larger stones and gave the impression that it had been moved when necessary during the period of use. Here there was not even the negative impression of a wooden roof-supporting post, but a situation which could still be interpreted as the previous existence of one or more such posts. Even more abstract traces of what happened on the hill are hidden in the soil layers themselves. Plant parts, pollen, charcoal and soil chemical traces can also contribute to the interpretation of the site's archaeology. Ongoing sampling for future analysis is therefore of great importance to the project, as complex stratigraphic and contextual issues must be weighed against a more or less comprehensible, and to varying degrees fragmentary, find material.
VV2021 Trench A on November 9 (3D model)
2. Vångakullen and archaeology. The methods
Initially, previously excavated material (mainly backfill from 2017) was removed to expose the latest phase of the investigation. Once reached, the layer was carefully cleaned and then documented with a digital camera. The technique of using digital photography, combined with accurate digital positioning, is extremely important for research on the hill. This approach makes it possible to create 3D models of the contexts and features recovered during the survey, and provides a clearer description of the complex stratigraphic sequence encountered during the investigation. Individual strata, burials and finds are described and given different digital identities so that they can be distinguished in databases and used to support archaeological interpretation. The end result is a coherent digital information chain linked to databases and high-resolution images of trenches, strata and finds. The archaeological evidence is gone forever, but the computer can simulate the progress of the investigation through the various stages. With a consistent working method, it is then possible to piece together puzzles from different seasons of fieldwork, as information and 3D photogrammetry can be merged into a larger whole.
VV2021 Trench A on November 8 (3D model)
The archaeological traces on the hill are in principle well preserved directly under the turf. The georadar images and some deeper test pits show that the archaeology continues, at least in places, to a depth of almost a metre. The stratigraphy can vary considerably depending on which part of the hill you are in. Small shifts and nuances mean that layers of soil can be distinguished, and elements of burnt clay, soot and charcoal vary considerably. The same applies to the different types of artefacts, which are associated to varying degrees with different strata. In some cases, the layers have been formed by deposition as the surface was used for walking or otherwise exposed. In other cases, masses of soil may have been added deliberately to create a new level. On the hill, this is most evident in the use of silty layers, which do not occur naturally on the hill, to cover certain areas. This was particularly done in an area bounded by stone packs. All in all, this has provided an interpretation of a now lost building body with a link to the ritual character of the site.
Interpreting the layers associated with different activities and finds is the most important research task on the hill if we are to understand what happened here during different phases of the Iron Age. Definitive archaeological conclusions often depend on being able to go back to the earliest deposited level in order to understand a phase in the creation of a site or a cultural environment. Before the 2021 season, the aim was to dig down to the bottom for the first time in sections of the shaft that had only been started.
In 2004, Karlskrona Municipality started a water treatment project at Johannishusåsen in Ronneby Municipality. In connection with this, Blekinge Museum was given the opportunity to carry out archaeological excavations along the route of the pipeline. A previously unknown and unexpectedly rich Iron Age settlement was discovered in the village of Västra Vång (see here where Våstra Vång is) .Traces of houses and craft areas were found on the village's farmland, indicating a presence on the site from at least the Roman Iron Age to the Viking Age. At the same time, on the smaller mound in the centre of the settlement, a small bronze mask image from the Celtic cultural area was found (see the model here), which could be dated to the time around the birth of Christ. In the following years, further investigations were carried out, both in the settlement as a whole and soon on the hill. The archaeological methods used were varied and had different objectives. However, the overall aim has been to create an overall picture of the Västra Vång site in the long term. In addition, they will eventually place the site in relation to the contemporary landscape as well as the neighbouring regions and their cultural spheres. The working methods still used at Vång document all kinds of traces of the human presence. This involves classifying, dating and interpreting the finds, as well as relating them to each other and to the detailed environment in which they were found. During the work, similarities and differences emerge both within Vång and in comparison with completely different settlement and burial environments. In the part of the Vång settlement that lies on arable land, extensive work has been carried out with metal detectors and magnetometers. An excavator was used to level the surface, after which mapping and partial investigation of the excavated cultural layers and extensive dry sifting of the topsoil could take place. Because the cultural environment on the hill itself is so well preserved and has gradually been shown to contain almost unique finds and remains, the choice of archaeological method here was made with particular care. The evaluation of what the environment has to say is based primarily on careful hand excavation. Each new phase of work is undertaken only after the results of the previous phase have been compiled, evaluated and formally reported.
Västra Vång
Brownish loose material on the bottom of the possible posthole
Possible posthole filling. The possible posthole 1064 may have previously occupied a different position and then been moved as a result of changes to the building structure.
The 3D model of trench A and B on May 5-eoe
Cut of a ditch containing 1056, possible building drain supporting structure
Cut of posthole containing fills 1057, 1059, 1063
The second 3D model of trench A on May 4
The 3D model of context 1063 in trench A
Possible last fill of the posthole
The second 3D model of trench B on May 5
The first 3D model of trench B on May 5
The fifth3D model of trench B on May 4
Lens of floor associated with 1061
The fourth 3D model of trench B on May 4
Packed floor layer comprised of dark soil with patches of carbon
This is very clearly the floor of a structure. It is dark compack soil.
Charcoal
fat
The third 3D model of trench B on May 4
The second 3D model of context 1059 in trench A
Stone layer with a mix of large (circa 40 cm) and small (circa 10 cm) stones. There were more small stones higher up, but they continued to be mixed even deeper in the layer. Soil is loose without much cultural material
This layer of large stones seems to be directly below the floor layer. It seems this large stone layer continues below floor throughout exposed excavation unit.
The 3D model of context 1059 in trench A
The first 3D model of trench A on May 4
The second 3D model of trench B on May 4
The first 3D model of trench B on May 4
Same as context 1053. But thicker and with more stones. Many stones - fist-sized and smaller - are in the western and southern part of the context. More stones are just below, considered a new context (1060).
Cultural material just above floor layer and above stony layer.
Dry fill with large rocks. Some rocks are up to 40 cm wide. Fill is loose and yellowish brown. Lots of large daub inclusions. This fill is lined with large rocks that have their tops covered with floor layer.
This is very likely to be a posthole. It is probably the first of two portholes. The one excavated in this context was probably the first, as the large stones comprising the second postole are slightly higer.
brownish loose clayish layer below 1057
possible first fill of a posthole
Linear loose sandy silt and stone (mostly fist-sized and large) fill located in the southwestern part of the trench
possible constructional ditch in connection to a building
Compacted silt layer extending in the central part of trench
located in the central part of the trench
The second 3D model of trench A on May 3
The fourth 3D model of trench B on May 3
Same as 1051. With inclusions of burnt clay and burnt bone. Also metal objects, a copper object centrally in the context and an iron object in hte NW of the context, close to the collection of stones visible in context 1053.
A layer of mixed material including topsoil, same as context 1051.
The third 3D model of trench B on May 3
The second 3D model of trench B on May 3
The 3D model of trench A on May 3
Thin layer of light yellow/beige silty clay, with some stones, inclusions of small bits of charcoal, and very small bits of burnt bone.
Thin layer of cultural deposit just above a floor (of patches of charcoal).
The 3D model of trench B on May 3
Brown color, looser than the floor layer beneath but more compact than the top-soil, hummus
possible floor layer affected by humus component interspread by roots
Layer of soil beneath topsoil. Fairly compact, well sorted, stones and pebble sized smaller stones, inclusions of flecks of charcoal and occasional small pieces of daub. Dark, brownish yellow silty clay with lots of small roots.
Mixed compacted top soil above cultural layers.
The 3D model of trench A and B on May 2-2
The 3D model of trench A and B on May 1
San Salvatore 2025 scale e corridoio (3D model)
Trinitatis 1982-4 KM 71839.2399 Pubis 3D
research investigation
The excavation campaign carried out eastside of the hill of Västra Vång in May 2023
See the site in the National Heritage Board
The goal of the 2023 campaign is (1) to extend westwards and excavate trench B, excavated in 2017, to prove or disprove that the feature excavated is a posthole; (2) extend trench A to south to investigate the presence of a posthole aligned with posthole 1031. The results will allow the orientation of the building uncovered and partially excavated during the previous investigation campaigns to be determined.
Västra Vång, Ronneby kommun, Blekinge County, Sweden
VV2021 Trench A on November 9_3 (3D model)
4. VV2021 The southeastern part; contexts 1005, 1038 and 1042
After topsoil removal, context 1005 was identified. 1005 corresponds to the upper floor layer surface recorded in the west extension of the trench excavated during the campaigns of 2017 and 2019. Similarly to the excavation of 1005 during the previous campaigns, several finds were recorded in situ and/or retrieved from the context (Finds A1, A2, A3, A15, A16, A17, A18, A19, A20, A22, A23, A24, A25, A26, A27, A28). These finds consisted mainly of copper-alloy and iron fragments interpreted as pieces of fragmented cauldrons. In addition, one gold foil figure (A16) and a piece of ceramics were retrieved. Many of the cauldron fragments could possibly have been deposited in pits dug into the floor layer rather than in the floor layer itself. It was, however, difficult to distinguish proper pit cuts during the excavation of the floor layer. This could be due to the floor layer consisting of several thin floor layers, one or many of which could overlap the pit cuts. One such pit was successfully recorded as cutting through the floor layer, context 1042. The pit had one fill, context 1038, which was composed of a dark-grey silty clay with inclusions of small pebbles, charcoal and larger stones. Several finds were retrieved from the pit fill. The finds consisted mainly of copper-alloy fragments interpreted as cauldron parts. In addition, a few fragments of burnt bone, daub and clip scrap in gold were also retrieved. At the bottom of the pit cut find A14 was recorded as deposited beneath larger stones. This testifies to a depositional practice of fragmented cauldron parts in pits dug through the floor layer and then filled with stones.
Trench A was placed matching the location of the southeastern corner of Trench A from the campaigns 2017 and 2019. The topsoil was removed until the stratigraphy as of end of excavation 2019 was reached. An IBM acquisition was made before topsoil removal. Depth of topsoil ranging between 0,20 m to 0,30 m. The exposed surface was manually cleaned and an IBM acquisition was made. The trench was then extended in the southern corner by 1,00 square meter in southern direction. The topsoil in the extension was removed and the surface manually cleaned, after this another IBM acquisition was made. The full extension of Trench 2021 had an rectangular shape with a breath of 2,00 meter, and a lenght of 3,00 meters. The sooty layer context 1013, the posthole context 1031 and the newly one square meter located in the southeastern corner were all excavated simultaneously.
The results of the 2021 campaign confirmed the interpretation of the posthole as being stonelined and probably representing several resettings of posts in connection with different phases of the structure. Hence, the posthole could not be related to just one or a few phases of the structure, but, most likely to all . As for the sooty organic layer containing cauldron pieces, it could be concluded that it was slightly differing in depth, varying between 0,15 to 0,25 m in thickness (see Figure 14 and 16). As with the floor and leveling layers overlying it, differentiating between phases within the layer was difficult during stratigraphic excavation, considering the varying depth and mottled characteristics in terms of content. Contrary to what was hypothesized prior to the excavations of 2021, no additional cauldron pieces were retrieved from the sooty organic layer during this campaign. The excavations did however, record a number of such finds in situ. These were all recorded either within the floor layers overlying the sooty organic layer or in two pits dug into the floor layers excavated just south of the posthole.
The 3D model of the hill at Västra Vång
laser scanner
1. VV2021 Aims, Methods and Implementation
25. VV2019 Trench A Finds - contextual interpretation
The find material consisting of ceramics from the campaign of 2019 was very limited, only comprising 5 finds. All of these were handpicked from the excavation of context 1001 (topsoil), context 1005 (floor surface), context 1013 (burning event), context 1020 (subsurface), and context 1033 (root disturbance). To occurrence of only one or two ceramic sherds within each of these contexts supports an interpretation that ceramic vessels were not frequently occurring within the activities undertaken within Trench A on the Vång hill. The contexts excavated do not represent debris layers from ordinary settlement activity as has been recorded for certain subareas of the excavation area east of the Tving road (RAÄ Hjortsberga 121). This contextual interpretation as well as the morphological characteristics of the sherds retrieved matches observations during earlier excavation campaigns within the Vång site complex (Henriksson 2021 appendix 4). In comparison to ceramics, daub was more frequently retrieved from the contexts excavated in 2019. 19 fragments (Find A 63, Find A100, Find A101 ) were retrieved from the topsoil and the interface layer context 1002. 10 fragments (Find A 78, Find A 85, Find 112 ) were retrieved from the floor surface context 1005 and 7 fragments from one of the major root disturbances context 1033. Daub fragments were also retrieved from the posthole (1031), with 14 fragments attributed to the upper fill (1006) and 22 fragments attributed to the second fill (1030). One singular daub fragment (Find A 120) was also retrieved from burning event context 1013. Despite making up a large portion of the total finds material retrieved, the daub fragments are interpreted as scattered material and not as representing deliberate or accidental destruction of constructional features or debris layers from such activity. This interpretation is substantiated by the daub fragments recorded in situ (Finds A63, A66, A67, A68, A69, A70, A78, A85). From this documentation, it can be deduced that the daub fragments don't form concentrated clusters but rather appear as scattered material present within the fill material. A few fragmented finds of iron were retrieved from contexts in Trench A. These comprise flatrods (Find A90, Find A119, Find A131) and iron fragments (Find BLM29459 121 not in the database). 3 of the 4 flatrods retrieved were connected to the floor surface context 1005 and underlying layer context 1025, and 1 flatrod was attributed to burning event context 1013. The iron fragments (Find BLM29459_121 not in database) were attributed to small leveling layer context 1012. The iron flatrods and fragments should most likely be given an interpretation as broken and discarded objects. Burnt bone was relatively frequently retrieved from the contexts in Trench A. 12 fragments were attributed to interface layer context 1002 (Find A105). 13 fragments were retrieved from the stone packings in the north part of the trench, with 4 fragments attributed to the upper context 1016 (Find A124) and 9 fragments attributed to the lower subsurface context 1020 (Find A127). 23 fragments were retrieved from floor surfaces context 1005 and context 1022 (Find A92, Find A107, Find A129). 22 fragments were retrieved from the posthole context 1031, with 2 fragments attributed to the upper fill context 1006 (Find A117 ) and 20 fragments attributed to the second fill context 1030 (Find A133). 8 fragments were retrieved from the root disturbances contexts 1027, 1029, 1033 (Find A130, Find A132, Find A141). Pending osteological analysis, the interpretation of the burnt bone material remains uncertain. A few suggestions can, however, be made on the grounds of contextual interpretation. The previously suggested interpretation of the stone structures investigated in the north part of the trench as grave structures could be neither proven nor disproven in light of the burnt bone material retrieved. This material, whether animal or human in origin, could very well represent scattered debris from bone deposits or ritual activities in connection with the stone structures. The small frequency of fragments does, however, make such an interpretation merely tentative. More fragments were retrieved from the underlying subsurface layer (context 1020) than from the stone packings (context 1016), which also makes the previous interpretations uncertain. The burnt bone material retrieved from the floor surfaces (contexts 1005, 1022) and the posthole backfills (contexts 1006, 1030) most likely represent scattered debris material. The frequency of fragments does not appear to be clustered within any specific context or part of the context. Instead, the fragment frequency of retrieved burnt bone material seems relative to the amount of excavated soil from the investigated contexts. This would imply that the scattering of bone debris within the contexts of Trench A was relatively even. The find material in Cu-alloy retrieved from contexts within Trench A was relatively numerous, consisting of sparse metalworking debris in copper-alloy from contexts 1013 (Find A99), 1019 (Find A60), 1025 (Find A59) Metalworking debris from metaldetection of the topsoil include Finds H1, H4, H5, H6, H7, H8, H9, H11, H12, H13, H14, H15, H17, H18, H20, H21, H22, H23, H24, H27, H28, H29, H30, H31, H34, H35, H36, H37, H38, H39, H40, H41, H42, H43, H45, H47, H48, H50, H52, H53, H54, H57, H81 ).
24. VV2019 Trench A Finds recording and retrieval
A total of 145 finds were retrieved from the excavation of Trench A during the campaign of 2019. Of these, 63 finds (43%) were metal detection finds retrieved in a survey area surrounding Trench A (can we visualize this area and the finds?). Metal detection was conducted by Jonas Paulsson (Kula AB) using a high-frequency detection head (HF-coil). The position of the metal detection finds was recorded by total station survey. Of the 82 (57%) finds retrieved by excavation within the contexts of Trench A, almost half (34 finds) were recorded in situ by IBM. The position of these finds was calculated from the 3D models produced. 45 finds were collected by handpicking during excavation of contexts and only 3 finds were retrieved by sieving. The metal detection finds consisted mostly of Cu-alloy (51 finds), followed by precious metals (11) and a single recorded find of slag (VV2019_H3 Link). The finds retrieved from the excavation of contexts within Trench A consisted of Cu-alloy fragments and objects (20 finds), daub fragments (15 finds), burnt bone (13 finds), glass shards (10 finds), ceramic sherd (5 finds), iron fragments (4 finds), burnt flint (3 finds) and resin fragments (2 finds). In addition, 1 piece of worked quartz was also retrieved. 6 gold foil figures and 1 gold ring were recorded in situ. 7 gold foil figures and 1 gold ring were retrieved by metal detection. In addition, 1 gold foil figure and 1 gold ring were retrieved from sieving.
29. VV2019 Trench A Interpretation and discussion
The excavation of Trench A during the campaign of 2019 was aimed at the further understanding of the stratigraphy of the central parts of the Vång hill (L1978:8860, RAÄ Hjortsberga 306). Previous excavations in 2012 (Henriksson 2015), 2013 (Henriksson 2016) and 2017 (Henriksson 2018) within this area of the Vång hill had forwarded several questions and hypotheses as to site stratigraphy, formation, chronology and activities.
21. VV2019 Trench A North; contexts 1020 and 1035 - end of excavation
As of end of excavation 2019, context 1020 was recorded as covering the entire northern part of Trench A (see paragraph 5 for a more thorough description). Context 1020 was interpretated as a subsurface or an older ground horizon, possibly humanly altered in connection with the construction of stone constructions in the area. It is hypothesized that 1020 continues southwards in the middle part of the trench and hence is covered by stratigraphy not yet excavated in that area. One square meter of 1020 was excavated in the northern part of the trench in order to gauge its depth and possible function. At a depth of 0,20 to 0,25 m context 1020 gradually transitioned into a lower context (1035). This context was interpreted as a lower leveling layer or natural subsurface with infiltration.
23. VV2019 Trench A Stratigraphic summary VV2017-VV2019 combined
Northern part (left side in the matrix): interpreted as part of the outdoor stone structures that were identified in 2012-2013. During the campaigns of 2017 and 2019, the following contexts within this complex were fully excavated: 1004, 1016, 1017, and 1021 (see paragraph 3, and Report 1 2017). Below contexts 1004, 1016, 1017, and 1021 a larger context was identified,1020. One squared meter of this context was excavated, and context 1035 was identified below (see paragraph 5). Middle part (central part in the matrix): interpreted as one larger backfill posthole and surrounding floor and activity layers. Obstructing the top fill of the posthole was a root disturbance (context 1007) that was excavated in 2017 (see Report 1 2017). Two fills of the posthole (1006 and 1030) were excavated in 2019, and a third fill was identified but left unexcavated (1034). Although not fully exposed, the cut of the posthole was given a context number (1031) (see paragraphs 9, 10, and 11). Root disturbance 1014 was excavated in 2017, exposing floor layer 1022 surrounding the posthole on its northern side. This context was excavated in 2019, exposing context 1013 burning activity layer completely throughout the middle part of Trench A (see paragraphs 6, 7, and 20). Southern part (right side in the matrix): interpreted as floor surfaces (1019, 1005, 1025) (see paragraphs 16, 17, 19) truncated by several root disturbances (1026, 1027, 1029, 1032, 1033) (see paragraphs 14, 15, 18). Between the topsoil and the floor surfaces, 1005 and 1019 context 1002 was identified. 1002 was interpreted as an interface between topsoil and underlying floor surfaces and was first identified in Trench B during the excavation campaign 2017 (see paragraphs 12 and 13).
The campaign of 2019 left several questions unanswered, specifically concerning the lower stratigraphy of the hill site. For this reason, a smaller excavation campaign, pinpointed at elucidating the thickness of the sooty organic layer and the depth, characteristics and stratigraphic position of the posthole, was executed in 2021. The investigation area was delimited to the posthole and an area around the same covering 6 m2. This trench overlapped with previous excavations, but also include 1 m2 of as yet unexcavated area south of the posthole. Methods The trench (Trench A) opened within L1978:8860, RAÄ Hjortsberga 306 measured 6m2. Exposed contexts and finds were recorded in situ with Image-based-modeling. The excavation was then carried out with single-context method. Excavated fills and layers were dry-sieved. Sampling was made selectively and with the aim of future macro-fossil analysis. Metal detection was systematically carried out within the predifined investigation area (L1978:8860). The retrieved finds were manually recorded using field maps and later digitized post-excavation. No detection points that were ascertained to be related to underlying archaeological contexts were excavated during the campaign. The field- personnel consisted of a team from Blekinge museum and Lund University. Jonas Paulsson, Kula AB was responsible for and conducted the metal detection survey. Additional total-station survey was made by Niclas Olsson, Blekinge mätservice and conservation work was conducted by Max Jahrehorn, OxiderAB. The find-list was compiled by Andreas Svensson, Lund University. Visual inspection analysis of ceramics and burnt clay was conducted by Torbjörn Brorsson, Kontoret för Keramiska Studier. Public mediation was focused on a continuous exhibition of artefacts at Kallvattenkuren, Ronneby Brunnspark. Action camera recording was carried out throughout the excavation within the DIAD project (Digital Integration Across Disciplines). The action cameras recorded audio and video of the archaeologists excavating the site.
The settlement at Västra Vång is placed in close proximity to the Johannishus ridge. This partly prominent esker constitutes the dominant landscape feature of the region, providing the north-south-running valley with its specific character through a combination of undulating high-points and formerly numerous wet-areas. The higher terrains east and west of the valley consist of woodland, whereas the valley itself is almost exclusively dominated by agrarian land-use. The archaeological landscape is characterized by graves of Bronze- and Iron Age date, placed at high-points in the terrain. The lower agrarian terrain within the valley shows evidence of settlement sites dated from the Neolithic and onwards. Only a few of these are surveyed and recorded. The Medieval village of Vång has not been affected by later agricultural land reform, and was since the 17th century, or possible earlier, divided into two units. One located east of the valley and one west. The village was since the late 17th century incorporated in and under the control of the estate of Johannishus. Evidence of earlier activity within the village have especially been recorded in connection with agricultural land surrounding the minor plateau in the middle of the valley (L1978:8860, RAÄ Hjortsberga 306 and surroundings). The investigation of these activities have produced dates from Pre-Roman Iron Age to late Viking Age.
22. VV2019 Trench A Stratigraphic summary VV2019
Northern part (left side in the matrix): interpreted as part of the outdoor stone structures that were identified in 2012-2013. During the campaign of 2019, the following contexts within this complex were fully excavated: 1016, 1017, and 1021 [see paragraph 3]. Below contexts 1016, 1017, and 1021 a larger context was identified,1020. One squared meter of this context was excavated and context 1035 was identified below [see paragraph 5]. Middle part (central part in the matrix): interpreted as one larger backfill posthole and surrounding floor and activity layers. Two fills of the posthole (1006 and 1030) were excavated in 2019, and a third fill was identified but left unexcavated (1034). Although not fully exposed, the cut of the posthole was given a context number 1031 (see paragraphs 9, 10, and 11). Floor layer 1022 surrounding the posthole on its northern side was also excavated, exposing the context 1013 burning activity layer completely throughout the middle part of Trench A (see paragraph 6, 7, and 20). Southern part (right side in the matrix): interpreted as floor surfaces (1019, 1005, 1025)(see paragraphs 16, 17, 19) truncated by several root disturbances (1026, 1027, 1029, 1032, 1033) (see paragraphs 14, 15, 18). Between the topsoil and the floor surfaces, 1005 and 1019, context 1002 was identified. 1002 was interpreted as an interface between topsoil and underlying floor surfaces and was first identified in Trench B during the excavation campaign 2017 (see paragraphs 12 and 13).
20. VV2019 Trench A Middle; contexts 1013, 1031 - end of excavation
As of the end of excavation 2019, in the middle part of Trench A, the third fill of posthole 1031 (context 1034)was exposed but not excavated. The 2019 campaign could establish that posthole 1031 had a minimum breath of 1,30 metres and that the sides of the cut were lined with larger stones. Several of these stones were interpretated as support stones recorded in situ or at least minimally disturbed. The depth of the posthole could not be established, but it's strongly suggested that the posthole was backfilled by at least three fills. The upper fills (1006 and 1030) differed considerably in character, whilst the third fill (1034) appeared to be more similar in terms of composition to the second fill (1030). The stratigraphic position of posthole 1031 could not be fully established during the 2019 campaign. The starting hypothesis that the posthole was contemporary to the floor surfaces 1005, 1019, and 1022 but cut into underlying layer 1013 could not fully be proven or disproven since the full cut of the posthole was not excavated. It is, however, likely that the original post was contemporary to the floor surfaces. These surfaces could be recorded as abuttning the second backfill (1030) rather than being sharply truncated by the same. The upper backfill (1006) could very well have been a later addition to the postholes backfill, added after the lower backfills had been compacted, leaving a sunken depression at the top. The stratigraphic relationship between the posthole cut (1031) and layer 1013 remains to be established in future excavation. Layer 1013 was, as of the end of excavation 2019, interpreted as covering the entire middle section of Trench A surrounding the posthole. The depth of the layer was not established. Several aspects and hypotheses needs to be taken into account for future excavation of the layer. Firstly, the stratigraphic relationship to the posthole needs to be clarified. Secondly, the function, formation process and depth of the context needs to be established. In this regard, several hypotheses can be forwarded. The layer can represent a burning event before the floor surfaces were constructed. Context 1013 can also represent burning and/or debris events inbetween floor sequences. From the excavations of 2019 it is clear that context 1013 contains a large part of the find material consisting of fragmented bronze cauldrons and additional materials in Cu-alloy. It is not unlikely that many of the Cu-alloy objects retrieved in earlier campaigns on the Vång hill (bronze masks, cauldron rings and loop holders, etc.) have their stratigraphic origins in context 1013. This provides excellent oppurtunity in future excavation for interpretations as to the type of activity represented by the context, but it also present considerable challanges in terms of excavation pace and conservation cost.
19. VV2019 Trench A South; contexts 1025, 1013 - end of excavation
After excavation of context 1005 and the area of root disturbance (contexts 1027, 1029, 1032, 1033) the entire south extension was interpreted as containing one continuous layer, context 1025. This layer was interpreted as a lower support layer/leveling layer for context 1005 above. Alternatively, context 1025 could represent an earlier floor surface, due to its similar characteristics to context 1005. Context 1025 was not excavated during the 2019 campaign. From surface inspection, it could be determined that the layer was heavily truncated by root disturbance, with larger stones more present in comparison to overlying layer 1005. This seems to support an interpretation as a support layer/leveling layer, but this hypothesis needs to be determined by future excavation. In the southwest corner of Trench A, the stratigraphical relationship between contexts 1013 and 1025 still remains unclear as of end of excavation 2019. It may very well be that context 1013 gradually ends approximately half a meter from the edge of posthole 1031 and that no clear stratigraphic relationship between 1013 and 1025 can be established, i.e. contexts 1013 and 1025 are on the same stratigraphic level. However, this has to be established by future excavation.
18. VV2019 Trench A Southern extension; contexts 1029, 1032 and 1033
These contexts (1029, 1032, 1033) represent an area of root disturbance. The root disturbance could have possibly truncated a feature or pit. The area of disturbance was visible earlier in the stratigraphy recorded as context 1027.
VV2019 Context 1029 1032 1033 on September 3 (3D model)
13. VV2019 Trench A Southern extension; context 1002 finds
Three finds were recorded in situ towards the bottom of context 1002, A61 and A62 were two gold foil figures and A63 was a daub fragment. A63 was recorded at a slightly higher level in the context than the gold foil figurines.
find 3Dmodel
model of find A58 in situ
3D model of find A60 in situ
The 3D model of the southern portion of the trench on September 3, when contexts 1029 1032, and 1033 are exposed
The excavation area in the hill of Västra Vång
17. VV2019 Trench A Southern extension; context 1005 - finds distribution and root disturbances
The 3D model of the extension of trench A on August 28
Excavation area on the hill at Västra Vång
16. VV2019 Trench A Southern extension; context 1005
After the removal of context 1002 and the excavation of 1028, context 1005 was identified. The context was interpreted as a floor surface or a leveling surface for a planked area. The context consisted of silty sand and corresponded to context 1005 recorded in the 2017 campaign, east of the southern extension of trench A in the campaign of 2019. Substantiating the interpretation of context 1005 as a floor layer, several finds of gold, glass, Cu-alloy, and daub were recorded in situ within the context ( See next paragraph).
VV2019 Trench A on September 3 (3D model)
From the distribution of finds recorded in situ within context 1005 it could be determined that most of the finds of glass, gold and Cu-alloy were identified in connectionto the root disturbance area (contexts 1027, 1029, 1032, 1033) centrally located in the trench extension. This could support an interpretation that this area represents a feature, possibly a pit, truncated by root activity. Since no clear cuts could be recorded for such a presumed feature , the interpretation remains tentative. A singular gold foil figurine (A71) was recorded in situ at the western edge of the trench extension. The precense of a group of larger stones in proximity to this find could indicate that another possible feature is present close to the western trench wall of the trench extension. No clear cut could however be observed for such a presumed feature when studying the east-facing section of the trench extension, and hence the indication is uncertain.
15. VV2019 Trench A Southern extension; context 1028
After full excavation of features 1028 and 1027, it was possible to interpret 1028 as a pit with one fill (1026), but 1027 is most likely to be interpreted as a root disturbance (see paragraph 18).
12. VV2019 Trench A Southern extension; context 1002
After topsoil removal and cleanup of the southern extension of trench A, context 1002 was exposed. This context was interpreted as corresponding to context 1002 identified and excavated during the 2017 campaign in Trench B. The context is a thin gravely layer below the topsoil with a depth of 8 centimeters. Finds A61, A62 and A63 were recorded in situ at the interface with the underlying context 1005 (see next paragraph).
VV2019 Trench A on August 26 and 27 merged(3D model)
pit
Irregular pit with one fill (1048). The feature was truncated by feature 2 and not fully excavated during the 2021 campaign. The filling material was very similar to 1046.
Pit dug in layer 1046 for the deposition of bronze cauldron fragments.
Subcircular pit with one fill (1038) and large stones.
Pit dug in the floor layer 1005 for the deposition of bronze cauldron fragments. Also animal teeth were retrieved from the fill.
Fill of posthole 1031. Exposed in 2019.
Excavated in 2021. Lower fill of posthole transitioning into fill 1036 gradually. Infiltration with sterile subsoil is evident. Interpreted as a backfill, but could also be a lower packing fill mostly consisting of redeposited natural.
coarse-grained sediments
very poorly sorted
dry
loose
unclear
dark
brownish
grey
medium
gravely
Fill of cut 1047. It was composed of fill that was relatevly loose with a few small pebbles inclusions. It was excavated quickly on the last day and may have overshot the boundaries of the cut.
Fill of pit (1047) that was cut for the deposition of an offering, possibly associated with the construction of the floor 1005.
well sorted
clear
light
blackish
sandy
fine sands (0.02-0.06mm)
Depth referes to excavated depth. Some of the context may still be left.
Cut in context 1046 filled by context 1048. The cut operlaps 10-20 cm with cut 1042 and the difference from the fills from the two contexts is difficult to discern. Since floor 1005 covers the top of context 1046 it seems likely that cut 1042 was excavated after context 1047. However the temporal difference with these could be very small. In this pit we found bronze artefacts (find A30).
This pit can be interpreted as an offering deposited in proximity to the posthole. It probably served the same porposes as the pit 1042.
rounded
sharp
concave
sloping
VV2021 find A46
constructional debris
VästraVång
Lund University
handpicking
VV2021 find A45
VV2021 find A44
wood debris
wood
dry sieving
VV2021 find A43
clay object
clay pipe
Probably 18th century. Import of possible dutch proviniensTroligtvis 1700-tal
VV2021 find A42
ceramics
vessel
ceramic
VV2021 find A41
VV2021 find A40
bone debris
burnt bone
Cleaning find
VV2021 find A39
VV2021 find A38
VV2021 find A37
VV2021 find A36
VV2021 find A35
VV2021 find A34
VV2021 find A33
VV2021 find A32
melt
VV2021 find A31
VV2021 find A30
BLM
VV2021 find A29
Oxider AB
VV2021 find A28
VV2021 find A27
Handleshaped object
VV2021 find A26
halfcylindrical object with parallell lines
VV2021 find A25
VV2021 find A24
VV2021 find A23
knife blade
VV2021 find A22
VV2021 find A21
VV2021 find A19
VV2021 find A18
VV2021 find A17
clip scrap
VV2021 find A016
sieving
VV2021 find A15
loop holder
VV2021 find A14
VV2021 find A13
VV2021 find A12
VV2021 find A11
teeth
Teeth with copper-alloy patina
VV2021 find A9
VV2021 find A8
VV2021 find A7
VV2021 find A6
VV2021 find A5
From profile
VV2021 find A4
VV2021 find A3
Composite object of iron, Cu-alloy and wood in several fragments.
VV2021 find A2
VV2021 find A1
Posthole consisting of one main cut and four fills
Larger posthole in the central part of the site. One main cut is identified (1031), but this could have housed several re-settings with imperceptible cuts.
Cut of posthole containing fills 1006, 1030, 1034 and 1036
VV2021 Trench A on November 12 (3D model)
circular
gradual
Located in the southeast corner of the trench
subrectangular
Sample from context 1039 (around find A30) (one bag)
environmental
Sample from context 1005 (one bag)
Sample from context 1039- lower level (two bags)
Sample from context 1039 (two bags)
Sample from context 1038 (two bags)
Sample from context 1040 (two bags)
Sample from context 1036, bottom of posthole 1031 (two bags)
Sooty layer identified in 2021 extension of trench A, equal to the context 1013 identified in 2017 campaign and excavated in 2019 campaign. It was a thin soothy layer found in some parts of excvation immediately below context 1005.
Clay spots
mid
greyish
black
fine
This is gravely and sandy loose yellow sterile soil which is present across entire trench. The black soil layer 1039 gradually transitions into 1045
Pebbles
yellow
course
coarse sands (0.2-2mm)
This is a clay floor which covers most of the trench but is not always found intact. It is patchy in that it is much thicker in some places than others and sometimes is not found at all. Nonetheless, it does seem to have covered most of the trench and can be seen clearly in the sidewall profile to intrude over the top of the posthole pit. This clay floor contains many small patches of charcoal as well as small specks of burnt bone, possibly human.
Animal bone
silty
clay
Infiltrated natural at the bottom of cut 1031 (feature 1 - posthole)
Forth fill of cut 1031 below 1034. Mostly infiltrated natural.
yellowish
coarse pebbles (20-60mm)
Yellow sand underneath context 1037
This is an unexcavated layer that seems to be below 1037 and above 1045. Stratigraphically it is found at a similar depth to 1039, but we would need to excavate 1041 in order to fully understand the relationship between it and 1039. It is possible that 1041 is above 1039 and below 1037, but additional excavation will be needed to prove this.
moderate sorted
brown
medium sands (0.06-0.20mm)
Sooty patch in the SW corner of the trench
This is a sooty dark patch of soil found underneath 1037. It was originally seen as darker and more sooty than 1039 and was therefore designated as a different context. After excavation it seems likely that this context is the same as 1039.
Soot
This is a thick layer of dark soil which sits on top of the natural sterile soil at the site. This layre covers large parts of the trench and is found below clay floors (such as 1037) as well as lower silt surfaces (such as 1025). 1039 transitions graduly into sterile soil - This suggests that it was not deposited as a single event but rather represents a long term accumulation of black, organic, soils.
Ash
Small remains of clay floor. Only a small patch remains.
University of York (UK)
The 3D model of trench A on November the 12th, 2021,
The 3D model of trench A on November the 12th, 2021, at the end of excavation activities
The 3D model of trench A on November the 11th 2021
the context 1042 consists of a cut made in the context 1005, filled from 1038. It had a suboval shape.
suboval
the context 1038 was located in the south est corner of trench A. It is the fill of the cut context 1042. It was loose dark-grey silty clay, composed of small pebbles, a lot of charcoal and big stones. In the upper interface of the context find A4 was recorded and retrieved. Below the biggest stone find A14 was recorded and retrieved. Among the artefacts found the are some burnt bones (A11).
Model of find A15_A21 in situ
context 1043 is a silty clay layer that consists of roots disturbance that caused the presence of a darker and softer soil
the presence of close trees comported the presence of such roots.
wet
probably visible in model 9-11-2021 (VV20211109_TA_02)
The 3D model of trench A on November the 10th 2021
The 3D model of trench A on November the 9th 2021 (3)
model of find A3 and A4 in situ
The 3D model of trench A on November the 9th 2021 (2)
Topsoil previosly scavated 2012 one square meter escavated durin 2021 campaine in S-E part of trench
centimeter
Fire cracked stones
The 3D model of trench A on November the 9th 2021
Sooty layer of burnt material and silt containing many of the finds associated with the cauldron.
Subsurface or lower floor surface below and possibly supporting 1005 and 1022. Context 1013 is interpreted as being the same as 1025 and 1046. Contexts 1013, 1025 and 1046 were excavated in different excavation campaigns and identified in different parts of the trench, hence the different context numbers assigned.
Chopped of wood
Brownish yellow silty sand layer. Clay sand was identified in some parts of the layer. The same context was identified in the 201 7 and 2019 campaigns extending throughout extension of trench A in the southwestern direction. It had a regular surface, composed of small stones with clay spots, charcoal, and roots. Gold Foil Figure (find 16) was retrieved during screening. Several bronze artifacts and fragments (probably belonging to a cauldron) were recorded and retrieved. In the southeastern corner, 1005 was cut by context 1042.
Surface, possibly levelling for a planked area
rectangular
The 3D model of trench A on November the 8th 2021
VV2021 Trench A on November 7 (3D model)
The 3D model of trench A on November the 7th 2021
excavation area in the hill of Västra Vång
shovel
The excavation campaign carried out eastside of the hill of Västra Vång in November 2021
The goal of 2021 campaign is to investigate the stratigraphy in connection with floor layers and the posthole
11. VV2019 Trench A Middle part; context 1034 (posthole fill 3)
Below context 1030, a lower fill of the posthole (context 1031 documented in 2021) was exposed, context 1034. The fill consisted of light brownish-yellow silt. The context was not excavated during the 2019 campaign.
10. VV2019 Trench A Middle part; context 1030 (posthole fill 2)
Context 1030 was identified below context 1006. The context was interpreted as a loose backfill of the posthole (context 1031). The fill consisted of dark yellowish-brown sand with inclusions of clay, charcoal, and pebbles.
VV2019 Context 1030 on September 3 (3D model)
8. VV2019 Trench A Middle part; context 1013 finds
Finds A97 and A98 were retrieved in block from context 1013. They are copper alloy objects but it is not possible to define what type of objects they are and we wait for the results of conservation. Find A99 is a copper alloy clip-scrap.
9. VV2019 Trench A Middle part; context 1006 (posthole fill 1)
During the 2017 campaign, a subcircular feature (1006) was identified in the middle part of Trench A. After full excavation in the 2019 campaign it was determined that the feature was a larger posthole and context 1006 was its uppermost fill. Among the finds retrieved from context 1006 in 2019 were two gold foil figures A58 and A64.
7. VV2019 Trench A Middle part; context 1013
Context 1013 was exposed below the floor layer 1022. It consisted of greyish-black sandy silt. Soot was abundant within the layer, and it was interpreted as a possible lower floor surface. Context 1013 was cut by posthole 1031, but the relationship between posthole 1031 and the floor surfaces 1022 and 1013 need to be further established in future campaigns. In the exposed upper part of the context 1013, finds A97, A98, and A99 were recorded and retrieved (next paragraph).
6. VV2019 Trench A Middle part; contexts 1022 and 1019
Context 1022 was partially excavated during the campaign of 2017. The context consisted of very compact yellowish-grey silt. The context was interpreted as a possible floor layer. In the interface between context 1022 and underlying context 1013, a bronze ring in poor condition was recorded and retrieved as a block, see paragraph 8. South of the posthole (1031) an irregular layer similar in composition and compaction to 1022 was excavated. This context was identified and partially excavated during the campaign of 2017 and recorded as context 1019. In 2017 the layer was interpreted as a small leveling layer. The excavation of 2019 could revise this interpretation of the context as a patchy remain of a floor surface and a similarity between contexts 1022 and 1019 was established. After full excavation of context 1019, context 1013 was identified as covering all the area surrounding the posthole (1031), see next paragraph.
5. VV2019 Trench A North part; contexts 1020 and 1035
One square meter of context 1020 was excavated two meters south of the north trench edge. Below 1020, context 1035 was identified. Context 1035 consisted of red brown gravely sand with inclusions of unevenly spread larger stones. The transition between contexts 1020 and 1035 was very gradual. Context 1035 was interpreted as a possible lower foundation for overlying contexts 1016, 1017, and 1021. Alternatively, culturally affected natural subsoil. Context 1035 was only exposed in an area of one square meter.
4. VV2019 Trench A North part; context 1020
Context 1020 was exposed below contexts 1016, 1017, and 1021. Also, context 1004 from the 2017 campaign and located between context 1016 and 1017 was overlaying the layer. Context 1020 consisted of light brown sandy silt with inclusions of larger stones unevenly spread within the layer. The layer was interpreted as following the entire trench extent and continuing beneath contexts not yet excavated in the middle part of the trench (see paragraph6). For this reason, only a small portion of the context was excavated (see paragraph 5) at the end of the campaign in order to gauge its depth and secure an environmental sample (Sample 15).
The 3D model obtained by merging the models of trench A on August 26 and 27
3. VV2019 Trench A North part; contexts 1016, 1017 and 1021
Trench A was placed matching the location of Trench A from the campaign 2017 in its extension as of 26/08/2017 end of excavation. The topsoil was removed until the stratigraphy as of end of excavation 2017 was reached. Depth of topsoil ranging between 0,15m to 0,25m. The exposed surface was manually cleaned and an IBM acquisition was made. The trench was then extended in the southern part by 3,00 meters in western direction. The topsoil in the extension was removed and the surface manually cleaned, after this another IBM acquisition was made. The full extension of Trench 2019 had an inverted L-shape with a typical breath of 1,00 meter, except for its southern corner where the breath was 2,00 meters.
1. VV2019 Aims, Methods and Implementation
The aim of the camping of 2019 was to enhance the results of 2017 and 2018, and thereby providing a more complete knowledge base for future large-scale investigations of the site complex. The goal was therefore, in accordance with the investigation plan approved by the County administrative board, to complete the investigation and recording of the trenches and investigation areas previously started on the Vång hill and in the settlement area east Tvingvägen. In addition, metal detection surveys was conducted within several defined investigation areas of the site complex. The excavation of trenches was placed within the recorded sites L1978:8860, RAÄ Hjortsberga 306, and L1978:4818, RAÄ Hjortsberga 121 respectively. In summary, the 2019 campaign recorded additional contexts and finds within previously partly investigated areas, and added additional spatial information of the site complex as a whole through metal detection surveys. Method and implementation The trench (Trench A) opened within L1978:8860, RAÄ Hjortsberga 306 measured 13 m2. Exposed contexts and finds were recorded in situ with Image-based-modeling. The excavation was then carried out with single-context method. Excavated fills and layers were water-sieved. One larger feature was partly excavated after consultation with the County administrative board. Sampling was made selectively and with the aim of future macro-fossil analysis. Metal detection was systematically carried out within predefined investigation areas. The retrieved finds were manually recorded using field maps and later digitized post-excavation. No detection points that were ascertained to be related to underlying archaeological contexts were excavated during the campaign. The field- personnel consisted of a team from Blekinge museum, Lund University, The Archaeologists – National Historical Museums and Södertörn University. Jonas Paulsson, Kula AB was responsible for and conducted the metal detection survey. Additional total-station survey was made by Niclas Olsson, Blekinge mätservice and conservation work was conducted by Max Jahrehorn, OxiderAB. The find-list was compiled by Andreas Svensson, Lund University. Visual inspection analysis of ceramics and burnt clay was conducted by Torbjörn Brorsson, Kontoret för Keramiska Studier. Public mediation was focused on a continuous exhibition of artefacts at Kallvattenkuren, Ronneby Brunnspark. Public evening lectures showcasing results from the ongoing excavations were also given in Ronneby. A film consisting of drone footage and interviews with project participants was compiled for Lund University by Lars Persson-Tille, Lars Nilsson and Nicolas Tegsell.
14. VV2019 Trench A Southern extension; contexts 1026, 1027 and 1028
Fill of clayey silt. The lowest fill of the posthole exposed in 2019.
Fill of posthole of unknown depth. Only exposed in 2019. It seems like the post(s) have been reset several times in the posthole (Cut c1031). The posthole could be realated to several phases.
Sandy gravely layer below context 1020. Possibly natural or infiltrated natural.
Levelling layer or infiltrated natural. Only expose by 1 m2 in 2019.
poorly sorted
reddish
Only exposed by 1 m2 in 2019. Not excavated.
VV2019 Find M083
metal detection
VV2019 Find M082
VV2019 Find H009
VV2019 Find H081
droplet
spoil heap
VV2019 Find H080
ring
VV2019 Find H008
VV2019 Find H079
silver object
tread
VV2019 Find H007
VV2019 Find H006
VV2019 Find H057
folded
VV2019 Find H056
tin plate
VV2019 Find H055
VV2019 Find H054
flat rod
VV2019 Find H053
VV2019 Find H052
VV2019 Find H051
VV2019 Find H050
VV2019 Find H005
VV2019 Find H049
VV2019 Find H048
VV2019 Find H047
VV2019 Find H046
coin?
VV2019 Find H045
VV2019 Find H044
melted
VV2019 Find H043
VV2019 Find H042
VV2019 Find H041
VV2019 Find H040
gilded
VV2019 Find H004
VV2019 Find H039
VV2019 Find H038
VV2019 Find H037
VV2019 Find H036
VV2019 Find H035
VV2019 Find H034
VV2019 Find H033
with hole and rivet
VV2019 Find H032
VV2019 Find H031
VV2019 Find H030
VV2019 Find H003
VV2019 Find H029
VV2019 Find H028
VV2019 Find H027
VV2019 Find H026
with rivet
VV2019 Find H025
VV2019 Find H024
VV2019 Find H023
VV2019 Find H022
VV2019 Find H021
VV2019 Find H020
VV2019 Find H002
rivet
with head
VV2019 Find H019
VV2019 Find H018
VV2019 Find H017
VV2019 Find H016
VV2019 Find H015
VV2019 Find H014
VV2019 Find H013
VV2019 Find H012
VV2019 Find H011
VV2019 Find H010
VV2019 Find H001
VV2019 Find A099
VV2019 Find A098
removed in block; check exact position of finds A97 and A98 after they come back from conservation
VV2019 Find A097
VV2019 Find A096
VV2019 Find A095
wet sieving
coordinates value taken in the middle of the context from the 3D model
VV2019 Find A094
Fnas vad göra
VV2019 Find A093
VV2019 Find A092
VV2019 Find A091
VV2019 Find A090
VV2019 Find A089
VV2019 Find A088
VV2019 Find A087
VV2019 Find A086
VV2019 Find A085
VV2019 Find A084
VV2019 Find A078
VV2019 Find A077
retrieved by E.J.
VV2019 Find A076
VV2019 Find A075
removed in block
VV2019 Find A074
VV2019 Find A073
VV2019 Find A072
VV2019 Find A071
VV2019 Find A070
VV2019 Find A069
VV2019 Find A068
VV2019 Find A067
VV2019 Find A066
VV2019 Find A065
spiral
retrieved by Annika Jeppsson
VV2019 Find A064
VV2019 Find A063
VV2019 Find A062
VV2019 Find A061
VV2019 Find A060
VV2019 Find A059
VV2019 find A058
VV2019 Find A143
VV2019 Find A142
VV2019 Find A141
VV2019 Find A140
VV2019 Find A139
VV2019 Find A138
VV2019 Find A137
VV2019 Find A136
bead
VV2019 Find A135
quartz
worked
VV2019 Find A134
burnt flint
VV2019 Find A133
VV2019 Find A132
VV2019 Find A131
VV2019 Find A130
VV2019 Find A129
VV2019 Find A128
Fnas vad göra?
VV2019 Find A127
VV2019 Find A126
VV2019 Find A125
VV2019 Find A124
VV2019 Find A123
folded and gilded with a small rivet. Conservation?
VV2019 Find A122
VV2019 Find A121
VV2019 Find A120
VV2019 Find A119
VV2019 Find A118
VV2019 Find A117
VV2019 Find A116
VV2019 Find A115
surface treatment
VV2019 Find A114
VV2019 Find A113
VV2019 Find A112
VV2019 Find A111
VV2019 Find A110
organic material
resin
VV2019 Find A109
Three knob fragments. Conservation?
VV2019 Find A108
VV2019 Find A107
VV2019 Find A106
VV2019 Find A105
VV2019 Find A104
VV2019 Find A103
Detektorfynd 147
VV2019 Find A102
VV2019 Find A101
VV2019 Find A100
model of find A99 in situ
model of finds A97-98 in situ
model of find A96 in situ
model of find A94 in situ
model of finds A85, A86, and A87 in situ
Sample from lowest part of context 1030
Sample from lower part of context 1030
Sample from lower part of context 1005
Sample from VV2019_A87 context 1005
charcoal
model of finds A61 and A62 in situ
model of finds A66, A67, A68, A69, and A70 in situ
polygons
lines
The GIS data relative to the 2017 Trench B excavation campaign at Västra Vång
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This report concerns the excavation activities carried out at Västra Vång in trench A during the excavation campaign 2019.
Upper fill of cut 1031, very loose.
Located in the southeastern corner of the trench
infill from 2012 and 2013, sieved and placed back
check contexts below and above with Andreas
VV2019 Context 1030 on September 5 (3D model)
The 3D model of a portion of trench A on September 5, when context 1030 is exposed
VV2019 Context 1025 on September 4 (3D model)
The 3D model of a portion of trench September 4, when context 1025 is exposed
The 3D model of a portion of trench A September 3, where context 1030 is exposed
The 3D model of trench A extension on August 29, when context 1005 is exposed
The excavation area on the hill at Västra Vång
The 3D model of the extension of trench A on August 27
The 3D model of trench A on September 3
This report concerns the excavation activities carried out at Västra Vång in trench B during the excavation campaign 2017.
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VV2017 Trench B on August 24 2 (3D model)
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VV2017 Trench B on August 23 3 (3D model)
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VV2017 Trench B on August 23 2 (3D model)
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The GIS data relative to the 2019 excavation campaign at Västra Vång
Kungsmarken 2022, field survey unit 2, feature 3
The GIS data relative to the 2018 excavation campaign at Västra Vång
points
The GIS data relative to the 2017 excavation campaign at Västra Vång
South of context 1017 is located context 1021. It is a light brown, silty layer that was only partially excavated; the layer was recognized as the result of a test pit. Context 1024 is a smaller sub-circular cut located in the southern part of the trench. It is a pit, the result of previous years extraction of a bronze mask. It was filled by 1005 with finds of glass and gold foil figurines.
In the northern part of the trench, between stone pack 1016, 1017, it was identified context 1020: it was cleaned but not excavated. It might be the top of the storey layer. Context 1025, is a silty sand layer extending in the southern part of trench A, below 1024. The layer, not excavated in 2017, is possibly extending further north. This should be verified by future investigations.
In the northern part of the trench, context 1016 1016 was exposed, interpreted as part of larger stone construction discovered in 2012/2013 composed of fist-sized stones with humus soil mixed in. It appeared to be very similar to context 1017 1017 , a context exposed in season 2013 and partially excavated in 2017. Two stones from the north border of the stone packing were removed for geo-sampling, whereas the context was truncated to investigate the stratigraphy through a section. The context continues in both east and west part of the trench. In the southern part of the trench, context 1013 1013 , a sooty layer in the southern part of the trench, was identified as the context exposed to extract some artefacts in 2013; it was only partially exposed in 2017 and not excavated. Northside of context 1013, it was excavated context 1022 1022 , a yellowish silty layer very compact and with brown patches, was interpreted as a possible floor layer distinguish in two phases: the first phase (under layer 1013) included finds 41,42, the second one on top of 1013 is probably a second floor or a "repatched" floor. Context 1019 1019 , located southside context 1013, is a gravely thin layer composed of the moraine, stone and sand, interpreted as a small levelling layer.
In the southeastern part of the trench, it was excavated context 1006, silty sand fill with humus, interpreted as the top-fill of a pit or top part of a single pit fill. The pit was not fully excavated in 2017. It presumably cuts context 1013, but it needs to be established by fully exposing 1013 and excavating the pit containing 1006. Westside to context 1006 was excavated context 1007, sand humus, with few burnt bones and copper-alloy fragments; this context was interpreted as a root disturbance. Westside to context 1007, it was highlighted and excavated a patch of fine san, context 1012, interpreted as small patch of a levelling layer.
Layer 1005, a silty sand layer located in the southern part of the trench, proved to be very important since the beginning: several valuable finds have been retrieved in it. The excavation of context 1005 1 allowed to retrieve several gold artefacts, mostly in the form of foil figurines (A5, A9, A15, A16, A18, A20, A25, A28 and A35) spirals (A6 and A29) a droplet (A20), and a ring (A14). The context continues beyond the trench limits in all directions. 2 This richness in the artifacts lets to hypotize, for this context, a connection to cult activities that need to be further investigated in future research.
Rectangular trench with NE-SW orientation eastside of the hill
fill of the elongated hearth 2006
fill composed of burnt material
located in the northeastern part of the trench
cut for elongated hearth fill with single fill 2002; bottom is stepped with the deepest part in the south section
elongated hearth filled with fire-cracked rock
vertical
uneven
clay construction
small clay patch, central in context 2001 (activity layer)
It was interpreted as the remains of an oven in 2004; material shows signs of burning but not to a heavy degree, most likely it represents a smaller levelling patch of clay material central to layer 2001
located in the central-west part of the trench
add rel. frequency info in the resource template
subcircular sandy silt subcircular layer
The excavation campaign carried out eastside of the hill of Västra Vång in August 2018
Blekinge Museum (Sweden)
The 2018 investigation campaign aimed at clarifying the settlement dynamics at the base of the hill of Västra Vång
The third 3D model of trench B created on August 24
small excavation area in the hill of Västra Vång
The second 3D model of trench B created on August 24
The 3D model of trench B created on August 24
The third 3D model of trench B created on August 23
The second 3D model of trench B created on August 23
The 3D model of trench B on August 23
The 3D model of trench B on August 22
The 3D model of trench B on August 21
black brown gravely silty layer. In the lower parts mix with underlying moraine.
Older ground horizon, in the upper parts partly soothy with some burnt bone
stone construction
surface
0,10-0,20 m thick layer of field stones in two layers. The stones lie in a yellow layer of silt. Burnt bones in the lower parts of the stone packing, in the transition to the underlying darker layer (1018)
located in the south and eastern part of the trench
rock
soil
Yellow silt, deposited above stone packing 1015
Located in the southeastern part of the trench
sooty silt, layer (micro-samples took)
possible floor layer (constructed)
located in the eastern and southern part of the trench
located in the northwestern part of the trench
flat
possible fill, in possible posthole (1009)
Yellow silty layer, in NW contemporary with 1008, less clayey and less yellow than similar layer on the same stratigraphic level in S part of trench A
square
Layer under the topsoil and above 1005, 1003 and 1008
fine pebbles (2-6mm)
greenish
test excavation trench
Squared trench with N-S orientation
The excavation campaign carried out at the hill of Västra Vång in August 2019
See it on the National Heritage Board’s database
2019 investigations were aimed at continuing previous research on the hill of the site
The Archaeological Excavation at Västra Vång 2019
The excavation campaign carried out at the hill of Västra Vång in August 2017
See it in the National Heritage Board’s database
The aim of the 2017 investigation campaign was to verify and improve GPR investigation data. Trench A and a supplementary test pit (Trench B) were excavated through undisturbed archaeological layers following the results of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) anomalies revealed in 2012.
Västra Vång, Ronneby kommun, Comté de Blekinge, Suède
This report concerns the excavation activities carried out at Västra Vång in trench A during the excavation campaign 2017.
The trench at the beginning of the excavation
The excavation progress on the 23rd of August 2017
A view of the trench with context 1021 exposed
Trench A is a rectangular elongated trench with a North-South orientation located on the top of the hill at Västra Vång. It has a 7x1 meters dimension. Excavation activities started with the removal of the topsoil, context 1001.
VV2017 Trench A beginning of excavation (3D model)
VV2017 find A105
VV2017 find A104
VV2017 find A103
VV2017 find A102
VV2017 find A101
VV2017 find A100
VV2017 find A099
VV2017 find A098
VV2017 find A097
VV2017 find A096
VV2017 find A095
VV2017 find A094
VV2017 find A093
VV2017 find A092
VV2017 find A091
VV2017 find A090
VV2017 find A089
VV2017 find A088
VV2017 find A087
VV2017 find A086
VV2017 find A085
VV2017 find A084
VV2017 find A083
VV2017 find A082
VV2017 find A081
VV2017 find A080
VV2017 find A079
VV2017 find A078
VV2017 find A077
VV2017 find A076
VV2017 find A075
VV2017 find A074
VV2017 find A073
VV2017 find A072
VV2017 find A071
VV2017 find A070
VV2017 find A069
VV2017 find A068
VV2017 find A067
VV2017 find A066
VV2017 find A065
VV2017 find A064
VV2017 find A063
VV2017 find A062
VV2017 find A061
VV2017 find A060
VV2017 find A059
VV2017 find A058
VV2017 find A057
VV2017 find A056
VV2017 find A055
VV2017 find A054
VV2017 find A053
VV2017 find A052
debitage
VV2017 find A051
VV2017 find A050
VV2017 find A049
VV2017 find A048
VV2017 find A047
VV2017 find A046
VV2017 find A045
VV2017 find A044
VV2017 find A037
VV2017 find A025
VV2017 find A022
VV2017 find A018
VV2017 find A017
VV2017 find A012
VV2017 find A011
VV2017 find A010
VV2017 find A009
VV2017 find A007
VV2017 find A006
VV2017 find A004
VV2017 find A003
VV2017 find A002
The 3D model of trench A on August 29
The 3D model of trench A on August 26
root disturbance possibly truncating a feature not yet defined
Located in the south-central part of the trench
Fill under 1006 in cut 1031. A mix of soil, stones and debris material
Located in the southwestern corner of the trench
Clay brick
cut in SW, middle of western addition of trench
oval
to be checked with Andreas; the model of the context is the same of context 1026!
After full excavation, the feature was most likely interpreted as root disturbance
compact
Silty sand layer extending in the southern part of trench A, below 1024
The layer is possibly extending further north. To be verified by later excavation.
unknown
not controlled, to check it with Andreas
yellowish layer with brown patches, very compact, silty
Located in the southcentral part of the trench
silty layer south of 1017, light brown; completely excavated.
Layer between stone packs (1016, 1017) in trench A. Transition between 1004 and 1020 not clear. Top of the stone layer. Not completely excavated
subsurface or older ground horizon
Located in the north-central n part of the trench
only a squared portion of the context has been excavated
possible floor layer connected to 1022; similar to 1022 as far as composition as compaction
Located in the southern part of the trench
foundation
exposed season 2013 and partially excavated 2017, two stones from the north border of the stone packing were removed for geo-sampling, the context was truncated to investigate the stratigraphy through a section
Part of larger stone construction that was discovered in 2012/2013
the context continues outside the trench both on the east and west side
Fist-sized stones with humus soil mixed in. Very similar to context 1017
Located in the northern part of the trench
Subsurface or lower floor surface
Silty sand layer extended in the SW-part of Trench A
Located in the southwestern part of the trench
Layer under the topsoil and above 1005, 1003 and 1008 (both in Trench B). Extended in the 2019 extension of Trench A.
Silty sand layer extending in the southern part of trench A, below 1024. Not excavated in 2017
pit from previous years find extraction (bronze mask) filled by 1005 with finds of glass and gold foil figurines
possible floor layer,to distinguish in two phases, the first phase (under layer 1013) included finds 41,42, the second one on top of 1013 is probably a second floor or a "repatched" floor
light brown, silty layer, partially excavated located south of context 1017; the layer was recognized as the result of a test pit
Layer between stone packs (1016, 1017) in trench A. Transition between 1004 and 1020 not clear. Top of the storey layer. Cleaned but not excavated
gravely thin layer of moreine, stone and sand
context exposed in season 2013 and partially excavated 2017, two stones from the north border of the stone packing were removed for geo-sampling, the context was truncated to investigate the stratigraphy through a section. The context continues in both east and west part of the trench
brown sand with medium-sized stones
layer exposed by finds extraction in 2013 and only partially exposed in 2017. Not excavated
VV2017 Find A12 befire conservation side 1
The 3D model of trench A on August 23
sand humus, few burnt bones fragments and few copper-alloy fragments
VV2017 find A043
knob
intact
VV2017 find A042
VV2017 find A041
plate
VV2017 find A040
VV2017 find A039
VV2017 find A038
VV2017 find A036
VV2017 find A035
VV2017 find A034
VV2017 find A033
VV2017 find A032
VV2017 find A031
VV2017 find A030
VV2017 find A029
VV2017 find A027
VV2017 find A026
VV2017 find A024
VV2017 find A023
VV2017 find A021
VV2017 find A020
VV2017 find A019
VV2017 find A016
VV2017 find A015
The 3D model of trench A on August 22
The 3D model of trench A at the beginning of the excavation
The 3D model of trench A at the end of the excavation
Rectangular elongated trench (10 m2 ) with N-S orientation in the southern part of the hill in Västra Vång.
Fill of a pit. Top-fill of a pit or alternatively top part of a single pit fill. Pit not fully excavated in 2017. The feature is presumably cutting 1013, but this needs to be established by fully exposing 1013 and excavating the pit containing 1006.
Light brown gravely silt layer, presence of resin, stones in the fill.
Fired cracked stones, find A1 was retrieved in this layer
infill between stone packing
filling of cut 1024 and surrounding area
VV2017 find A014
Iron Age
CC-BY4.0
VV2017 find A013
VV2017 find A008
kettle object; secondary metal FE
bronze
VV2017 find A005
VV2017 find A001
amber
Root disturbance possibly truncated