Spår av förändrande materialitet i en sockenkyrka under senmedeltiden. En fallstudie av Åseda kyrka

Abstract

Traces of changing materiality of a parish church during the late Middle Ages – A case study of the church of Åseda. Åseda is located in the vicinity of Växjö in Småland, and during a restoration of the church in 1936, various archaeological objects were
found. These finds have been dated but never discussed in-depth by anyone. This article aims to further the understanding of this church by analyzing stained window glass, coins and what has been interpreted as the remains of a triumphal wall.
The nave and western part of the chancel date back to the end of the 15th century, but there is evidence that an older church is located in the same location. The three categories of materiality are not discussed to contest the dating of the 15th-century
church. Instead, this article focuses on the reflection of Medieval society and the perception of the church, which can be interpreted through studying these objects. The three chosen categories of archaeological finds help shed light on the church
older than the one dated to the late 15th century. Changes to the church architecture and contacts with other areas are highlighted by studying objects not directly tied to the construction of a church. These changes must have radically changed how the parishioners perceived the church.