Archaeologists Unearth Trove of 2,000 Mysterious Gold Spirals in Denmark.
In the archaeological site of Boeslunde, Denmark, a team of researchers recently made a remarkable discovery that has puzzled experts: approximately 2,000 tightly-wound golden spirals dating back to the Bronze Age. While gold finds are not uncommon in Boeslunde, with several gold objects previously unearthed in the area, the purpose of these coils remains a captivating enigma.
Crafted from remarkably pure gold, hammered to a mere 0.1 millimeter thickness, the spirals range in size, with some measuring up to 1.18 inches in length. In total, they weigh between 200 to 300 grams (7-10 ounces). Although their exact function remains unknown, Flemming Kaul, a curator at the National Museum of Denmark, speculates that the coils are likely connected to the religious practices of prehistoric Bronze Age communities. These people were known to offer gold as part of sun rituals, as the sun held great sacred significance during that era.
Kaul suggests that the spirals may have adorned the attire of a priest-king, with gold rings on their wrists and spirals on their cloaks and hats. During sun ceremonies, these golden ornaments would have shone like the sun itself, symbolizing the special magic associated with gold. Another possibility is that the gold spirals were buried as part of an elaborate sacrificial ritual.
Regardless of their specific purpose or symbolism, the discovery of these golden spirals is an extraordinary and invaluable find. The local museum in Skaelskor held a temporary exhibition of the spirals to share their beauty and intrigue with the public before finding a permanent home. The coils offer a tantalizing glimpse into the ancient Bronze Age civilization and provide further insights into their religious beliefs, rituals, and reverence for the sun and gold.
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