Charismatic Objects

| E.S. Kristoffersen E.S. Kristoffersen M. Vedeler Extraordinary objects, things that convey collective narratives as well as a record of conservation evoke extraordinary feelings. Both the physical characteristics of | CHARISMATIC the objects and the myths surrounding them may increase their meaning, lending | I.M. Røstad Z.T.Glørstad (eds). Z.T.Glørstad them an inherent power. The design, language of form, as well as the materials used are essential elements in creating the objects’ charisma and in forming the OBJECTS stories that are told about them. The present volume explores the concept of CHARISMATIC OBJECTS charismatic objects and their material world through nine papers focusing on From Roman Times to the Middle Ages historical examples dating from the Roman Period to the late Middle Ages. From Roman Times to the Middle Ages M. Vedeler | I.M. Røstad | E.S. Kristoffersen | Z.T.Glørstad (eds). THE EDITORS: Marianne Vedeler is Professor in Archaeology at the Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo. OBJECTS CHARISMATIC Ingunn M. Røstad is Associate Professor in Archaeology at the Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo. Elna Siv Kristoffersen is Professor in Archaeology at the Museum of Archaeology, University of Stavanger. Zanette T. Glørstad is Associate Professor in Archaeology at the University of Oslo. ISBN 978-82-02-59724-5 9 788202 597245 www.cda.no Charismatic objects_choise.indd All Pages 20.11.2018 09:26 CHARISMATIC OBJECTS From Roman Times to the Middle Ages M. Vedeler, I.M. Røstad, E.S. Kristoffersen and Z.T.Glørstad (eds). © CAPPELEN DAMM AS, Oslo, 2018 ISBN 978-82-02-59724-5 1st edition, 1st print 2018 This publication and its contents are protected by and subject to the provisions of the Norwegian Copyright Act. No part of this publication may be reproduced or disseminated in any form or by any means whatsoever without the express prior written permissions of the publisher, Cappelen Damm AS, in accordance with the law, or according to the terms of an agreement with the Norwegian reprographic rights organization, Kopinor. Cover photo: Kirsten J. Helgeland Cover design: have a book, Polen Printing and binding: UAB Balto Print, 2018 Font: CapitoliumNews, Mr Eaves Typesetting: have a book, Polen Papir: Munken Lynx 120 g www.cda.no [email protected] CONTENTS Preface ................................................................................ 6 Chapter 1. THE CHARISMATIC POWER OF OBJECTS Marianne Vedeler ............................................................................... 9 Chapter 2. THE DEATH OF SERPENT-HEAD RINGS Ritual destruction of elite insignia from the Roman Period Håkon Reiersen ........................................................................................... 31 Chapter 3. THE CHARISMA OF EXTENDED BIOGRAPHIES AND AESTHETICS Migration Period cases Elna Siv Kristoffersen ............................................................................................. 57 Chapter 4. THE IMMORTAL BROOCH The tradition of great ornamental bow brooches in Migration and Merovingian Period Norway Ingunn Marit Røstad ................................................................................................. 73 Chapter 5. TRACING CHARISMA An ‘Anglo-Saxon workbox’ from an early Viking Age burial in Norway, its Scandinavian counterparts and European context Zanette Tsigaridas Glørstad ........................................................................................... 103 Chapter 6. TRANSFORMATIVE THEFT OF PAST AND PRESENT The human–horse bond reflected in the biography of the Viking Period Gausel bridle Kristin Armstrong Oma ............................................................................................... 125 Chapter 7. CHARISMA, VIOLENCE AND WEAPONS The broken swords of the Vikings Hanne Lovise Aannestad .......................................................................................... 147 Chapter 8. MEDIEVAL PILGRIM BADGES Souvenirs or valuable charismatic objects? Margrete Figenschou Simonsen .............................................................................. 169 Chapter 9. THE LINKÖPING MITRE CONTENTS Ecclesiastical textiles and episcopal identity Ingrid Lunnan Nødseth .............................................................................. 197 Bibliography .................................................................................. 217 Authors ................................................................................. 231 his volume is the result of a number of seminars and workshops in 2015–2016, organized by the research group ECHO – Charismatic Objects – at the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo. Through the combined efforts of national Tand international researchers from the fields of conservation stud- ies, archaeo logy and art history, the seminars explored the ongoing scholar ly debate on the relationship between objects’ materiality, visual and emotional impact and social representativity. As humans, we understand and experience the objects and things around us through our senses: through seeing them, touching them, smelling them and maybe hearing them. Thus sense perception is our main access to the things surrounding us. But we also understand them on the basis of our cosmology and our perception of reality. When beliefs, norms and memories merge with the physical experience of the object, emotions are aroused. Extraordinary objects, things that express collective and conservation stories evoke extraordinary feelings. Both the physi cal characteristics of the objects and the myths surrounding them may increase their meaning, lending them an inherent power. The design, language of form, as well as the materials used are essential elements in creating the object’s charisma and in the stories that are told about them. PREFACE Although the concept of charisma has been widely discussed in sociological literature, concentrating mainly on personal leadership, charismatic objects are far less commonly discussed. Nevertheless, it is not difficult to find examples of such objects, since they have existed throughout history. In this volume, we will explore the material world of charismatic objects through nine papers focusing on historical 6 examples dating from the Roman Period to the late Middle Ages. The papers cover a continuous chronological timeline that allows us to follow certain long-lasting perceptions and beliefs surrounding charismatic objects. The chosen timeline highlights the fact that there exist both obvious similarities and important differences between the peri- ods in question as to how such objects are perceived and the ritual practices in which they are embedded. This enables us to follow the phenomenon of how specific objects take on a special meaning and significance, and how they in certain contexts are infused with charismatic and magical properties. It also allows us to glimpse or follow certain patterns and perceptions that seem to have survived the Chris- tianization of Scandinavia. Furthermore, examples from present day experiences of prehistoric objects or antiques as charismatic objects demonstrate how some objects possess specific qualities that seem to outlive their period of use and allow them to take on new meanings in different historical contexts. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all colleagues who have contributed to engaging discussions and with their expertise during the seminars. The work of the ECHO group and the publication of the present volume have been made possible through generous funding from the Research Council at the Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo and the Archaeological Museum, University of Sta- vanger, and we are most grateful for their support and encouragement. Oslo, August 30, 2018, Marianne Vedeler, Ingunn Marit Røstad, Elna Siv Kristoffersen and Zanette Tsigaridas Glørstad 7 CHAPTER 1 THE CHARISMATIC POWER OF OBJECTS Marianne Vedeler For a number of years, there has been a discussion in archaeology and anthropo logy about agency, and whether objects have the capacity to act (e.g. Ahern 2001; Appadurai 1986; Gell 1998; Hodder 2004; Hoskins 2006; Kopytoff 1986; Steiner 2001). On the premise that objects can be perceived as actors within a common cultural space, some objects stand out as more powerful agents than others. How has such extraordinary power been understood and controlled? We will use the term ‘charismatic objects’ to distinguish objects that can arouse awe. In this view, the agency of objects depends on culture-specific cosmological ideas. Weber’s definition of charisma will be used as a tool to understand and differentiate between different forms of acting objects and their biographies. But is it, as Weber suggests, a characteristic feature of these objects that the power added to them is transferable? And is Weber’s postulate that objectified charisma must be depersonalized always the case? oth the physical features of the object and THE CONCEPT OF CHARISMA the myths and stories surrounding it, can Several scholars have pointed out that the very essence expand the meaning and value of an item. of the phenomenon charisma lies in the extraordinary, Cultures worldwide have individual objects in the ability or power to arouse awe (Nisbet 1966; Shils Bthat are believed to possess special powers. In this book, 1965:200–201; Spencer 1973:342). But in line with Weber, we will focus on some groups of objects that might have we could also see charisma not so much as a quality of been given such power

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