Drocksjöfyndet

Abstract

A rich find with goldsmiths Lools from Drocksjö.

In these papers the Drocksjö find is examined in detail. The find was recovered by an amateur and J.Sundström from Östersunds museum performed the archeological excavation. It appeared that thc Lools and weapons probably were deposited as gravegifts in a 
cremation grave now containing some few burned, male human bones. The find exposes an unusually rich collection of gold-smith' s tools. A seax, some knives, a spearhead and arrowheads were also found. The dating of the burial confirmed by radiocarbon is
around 600 AD.

In connection with the conservation work, made by M.Klockhoff, it appeared that several of the irnplements had ornamental cngravings. The seax and a large knife were damascened.The iron showed very little corrosion. E.Tholander and S.Blomgren made a metallurgical examination.This indicated that the reason for the good preservation was that the iron had become a glow-patina, probably in connection wi th the rremation. Finally B. Arrhenius discusses the significance _ the fact that same of the Lools seem not to have been used. The explanation may be that the gravegifts were merely a demonstration of wealth than an indication of that the deceased himself was a goldsmith.