Bronze Age: The Sun Cult
I
Unit: Bronze Age
Theme: The Sun Cult
Introduction
The Bronze Age is a historic period, lasting approximately from 3300 BC to 1200 BC, characterized by the use of bronze, the presence of writing in some areas, and other early features of urban civilization.
II
- Understand the importance of trade in historic events
- Explain the role of the Trundholm Sun Chariot in the artistic development of the Bronze Age
- Gain an awareness of the metaphors that can inform the myth
- Experience the reconstruction of a Bronze Age dance in the subjunctive
After Watching the documentary, answer the following discussion questions:
1.
One could argue that trade is the most significant human activity that
moves history. What is the importance of the discovery of bronze for
trade in Eurasia? (00:00 - 4:03)
2. Why is Scandinavia an important site for the study of the Bronze Age? (4:05 - 5:54)
3.
What is the main difference between the Basque languages and the rest
of the European languages during this particular historic period. (5:55 -
13:10)
4. What is the importance of burial mounds, horses and chariots during the Bronze Age? (13:11 - 13:34)
5. Why is the archeological Yamnaya culture relevant? (13:35 - 23:25)
6. How does the Yamnaya culture compare to the Bersheva Valley Culture (Copper Age) [min. 25:00 of Journey to the Copper Age video] and the Natufian Culture (Neolithic) [min. 31:15 of The Neolithic Revolution video] already studied?
7. What does the artists' work say about the maritime culture of the Bronze Age in the Scandinavian region? (23:26- 26:29)
8.
After minute 27:00, the narrator refers to the artistic development of
the Bronze age materialized in the Trundholm Sun Chariot. Why is this
symbolic art piece important? (27:00 - 31:25)
9. What metaphors related to the believes of the people from the Bronze Age could be drawn? (31:26 - 36:24)
Activity
Let us answer these questions in small groups.
2
METAPHORS, IMAGERY & IDEAS
1. trundholm sun chariot
2. two horses, each pulling a representation of the sun
3. spoked wheels
4. horse-drawn sun on the blue fields of heaven
5. "The mighty horse skin facts drawing the light of day each morning across the world of man ever pursued by the great wolf Fenrir...
6. ...who seeks
to swallow the sun and usher in Ragnarok the end of days." Snorri
Sturluson
7. The sun as representative of the heavenly God of the cattle breeders.
8. Native Earth Goddess of agriculture
9. Sun cult and rituals
Sturluson, S. (2010). Heimskringla: History of the Kings of Norway. University of Texas Press
Activity 1
Go
back to your group and create a movement metaphor for each one of the
metaphors above. Use the item number that corresponds to your group.
3
The Sun Cult
Astronomy and Sun Cult in the Swedish Bronze Age
When talking about the Sun Cult "a central image is the so-called “Dancer”. He, or more probably she, is facing the SE with her symmetry axis in 135˚. This implies that she is waiting for the Sun to rise at the Winter solstice, and the onset of the days to become longer and brighter. On the same site, there are also cut 69 feet and 11 pairs of feet. The majority of those (60 out of 80 or 75%) are pointing to the SE; i.e. the sunrise at Winter solstice. There are also 19 pairs of “shoes” and 45 single “shoes”, 61 of which are pointing to the SE (i.e. 95.3%). This seems to provide clear indication that the Winter solstice played a central role in the life of Bronze Age people in SE Sweden. This, in turn, confirms the importance the Sun played during the Bronze Age.
Since prehistory, the winter solstice has been a significant time of year in many cultures and has been marked by festivals and rituals. It marked the symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun; the gradual waning of daylight hours is reversed and begins to grow again.
Other objects in the rock-carving have solar alignments, too. There are 20 ships. All of those are pointing to the SW; i.e. the sunset at Winter solstice. A serpent is aligned to the NW; i.e. the sunrise at Summer solstice (15% of the feet have the same alignment).
The vertical image of a small boat with 4 cup-marks is aligned in NW-SE, just as the huge monument of Ales Stones is.
source: https://www.crystalinks.com/AlesStones.html
Activity 2
After putting the movement metaphors together, add to it the information above and turn it into the Sun Cult.
IV
A Note to Remember
The Yamnaya migration is one of the most straightforward
examples we find in the distant human past. They were a highly mobile steppe culture of pastoral nomads relying heavily on cattle (dairy farming).
V
EXAMPLES
1
Blessing Community Rite / Chalcolithic Age
This is a community seeking blessing from the natural forces at the time of the equinox, on the occasion of changes in the sky and the construction of a new house in the village. It is performed by a shaman and seven girls.
Dance Elements
Spinning and trance
Hand gestures
Adorant position
Reflection of a characteristic motif
Stamping
Rhythmic background
This is an initiation rite of a young girl who dances to celebrate her reaching puberty and thus becoming eligible for marriage. She first dances alone and then three young men join her.
Dance Elements
Grooming and the Apotropaic Circle
Bird motif
Dancing in front of and in pair with the opposite sex
Lively movements with focus on the hips
Apotropaic: A type of protective magic intended to turn away harm or evil influences, as in deflecting misfortune or averting the evil eye.
Lezginka, folk dance originating among the Lezgian people of the Caucasus. It is a male solo dance (often with a sword) and also a couple dance. The man, imitating the eagle, falls to his knees, leaps up, and dances with concise steps and strong, sharp arm and body movements. When the dance is performed in pairs, couples do not touch; the woman dances quietly as she regards the man’s display.
4
The greatest part of Lapland is to be found in Norwegian territory. And it is in Karasjok that the Sámi, or Laplanders, have their own parliament. Beyond these frontiers, the Sámi identity lives on with a lifestyle that respects ancestral customs and is perfectly in harmony with a one-of-a-kind environment. The midnight sun and midday night, aurora borealis, animistic beliefs… the Pierre Brouwers film is an exciting journey across one of Europe’s wildest regions. With three shoots in three different seasons, this documentary is one of the most comprehensive ever made of Lapland.
Jungle Svonni (Sami Shaman)
VI
ACTIVITY
Based on the Sun Cult derived from the Bronze Age (min 33:29), (in which priests wear elaborate head dresses), the painted scene depicted, and the metaphors, imagery and ideas you were able to gather:
a) create first a myth, (in the subjunctive mood), that helps you to better understand the worldview of Bronze Age peoples from the Scandinavian region.
b) Using the myth, along with the ritual of the dancer described above in item # 8, add it to the ritual that
responds to the Sun cult of the Bronze Age among the Scandinavian
people. SEE THE EXAMPLES BELLOW.
Glossary
IX
Sources
Astronomy and Sun Cult in the Swedish Bronze Age. https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=84391
Newcomb, Tim (2024). Archaeologists
Have Uncovered a Bronze Age Civilization Completely Lost to Time.
https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/archaeologists-uncovered-bronze-age-civilization-133000605.html
X
Students Work
Final Discussion with the whole group.
Make Up Work
Jolie Montlick
2/15
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- One could argue that trade is the most significant human activity
that moves history. What is the importance of the discovery of bronze
for trade in Eurasia? (00:00 - 4:03)
- The discovery of bronze played a pivotal role in trade within Eurasia during the Nordic Bronze Age. Bronze was significantly stronger and more durable than its predecessors, such as stone or copper tools. This technological advancement enabled the production of more efficient and effective tools, weapons, and artifacts, which were highly valued commodities in trade networks.
- Why is Scandinavia an important site for the study of the Bronze Age? (4:05 - 5:54)
- Scandinavia's rich archaeological record, characterized by well-preserved artifacts, burial sites, rock art, and waterlogged remains, makes it a crucial region for understanding the complexities of the Bronze Age and its significance in prehistoric Europe.
- What is the main difference between the Basque languages and
the rest of the European languages during this particular historic
period. (5:55 - 13:10)
- The main difference between the Basque languages and other European languages during the Nordic Bronze Age lies in the Basque language's unique status as a linguistic isolate with a high degree of continuity and limited external influence. The Basque language is considered a linguistic isolate, meaning it has no known linguistic relatives and is not part of any established language family. This linguistic isolation suggests that the Basque people have maintained a distinct linguistic identity and cultural heritage.
- What is the importance of burial mounds, horses and chariots during the Bronze Age? (13:11 - 13:34)
- Burial mounds were often constructed as monumental tombs for elite individuals within Bronze Age societies. The size and complexity of these mounds, as well as the wealth of grave goods contained within them, reflected the social status and prestige of the deceased and their families. The construction of elaborate burial mounds reinforced social hierarchies and served as a visible display of power and wealth. Horses and chariots were commonly included as grave goods in elite burials during the Bronze Age. The inclusion of horses and chariots in burial rituals reflected the belief in an afterlife where the deceased would continue their journey accompanied by these valuable possessions.
- Why is the archeological Yamnaya culture relevant? (13:35 - 23:25)
- The Yamnaya culture is associated with the Indo-European migrations, a significant movement of people and languages across Eurasia during the Bronze Age. Furthermore, studies of ancient DNA and archaeological evidence have revealed important insights into the genetic and cultural contributions of the Yamnaya culture to subsequent populations. The Yamnaya culture is also associated with several innovations and technological advancements, including the domestication of the horse, the development of wheeled vehicles such as wagons and chariots, and the spread of metalworking techniques.
- How does the Yamnaya culture compare to the Bersheva Valley
Culture (Copper Age) [min. 25:00 of Journey to the Copper Age video] and
the Natufian Culture (Neolithic) [min. 31:15 of The Neolithic
Revolution video] already studied?
- The Bersheva people practiced a mixed economy based on animal husbandry, including sheep and goats, as well as the cultivation of domesticated crops such as barley and wheat. They are known for their early use of copper metallurgy, including the production of copper tools and ornaments. They also constructed fortified settlements and developed complex social structures. The Natufian people were semi-sedentary hunter-gatherers who exploited a diverse range of wild plant and animal resources. They practiced a foraging lifestyle, supplemented by the harvesting of wild cereals and the management of certain plant species. The Natufian culture also created elaborate burial sites and engaged in ritual activities. The Yamnaya people were semi-nomadic pastoralists who relied heavily on animal husbandry, particularly cattle, sheep, and horses. They practiced mobile herding and seasonal migrations across the steppe landscape. The Yamnaya culture is associated with significant innovations, including the domestication of the horse, the development of wheeled vehicles, and the spread of metallurgical techniques such as bronze casting.
- What does the artists' work say about the maritime culture of the Bronze Age in the Scandinavian region? (23:26- 26:29)
- The artists' work in the Nordic Bronze Age offers valuable insights into the maritime culture of the region, including the importance of watercraft, maritime activities, symbolism, mythology, and technological innovation in Bronze Age society. These artistic representations provide a window into the maritime world of ancient Scandinavia and enrich our understanding of Bronze Age maritime culture and traditions. The artwork suggests that maritime activities played a significant role in Bronze Age society, including fishing, trade, transportation, and possibly raiding or warfare. Scenes of people engaged in fishing, sailing, rowing, and navigating bodies of water are commonly depicted in the artistic representations of the period.
- After minute 27:00, the narrator refers to the artistic
development of the Bronze age materialized in the Trundholm Sun Chariot.
Why is this symbolic art piece important? (27:00 - 31:25)
- The Trundholm Sun Chariot is interpreted as a symbol of solar worship in the Bronze Age culture. The depiction of a horse-drawn chariot carrying a large solar disc suggests a connection to solar symbolism, reflecting the importance of the sun in Bronze Age religious beliefs. The Trundholm Sun Chariot is important as a symbol of solar worship, a masterpiece of artistic craftsmanship, a cultural icon of the Nordic Bronze Age, and a valuable archaeological discovery that sheds light on Bronze Age society, religion, and artistic expression.
- What metaphors related to the believes of the people from the Bronze Age could be drawn? (31:26 - 36:24)
- The burial mounds and funerary rituals associated with the Nordic Bronze Age may metaphorically represent beliefs about the journey of the soul from the earth realm to the afterlife. Burial mounds could be seen as symbolic portals between the world of the living and the world of the dead, reflecting Bronze Age beliefs about the continuity of existence beyond death.
- One could argue that trade is the most significant human activity
that moves history. What is the importance of the discovery of bronze
for trade in Eurasia? (00:00 - 4:03)
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