Archaeologists have discovered a treasure trove of gold spirals, which may have been used for religious ceremonies during the Bronze Age, buried in a field in the largest island in Denmark.
The 2,000 gold spirals that were found in Zealand have been dated as originating between 900 and 700 BC, according to the Danish National Museum.
Each spiral is made up of pure gold thread and measures up to three centimetres in length. The entire find weighs between 200-300 grams.
The spirals were recovered from a site in the Boeslunde district in south-western Zealand that had been excavated before, where a team found four gold bracelets.
Archaeologist Christian Albertsen offered to continue searching the area on behalf of the local West Zealand Museum, believing there was more to be found.
Purpose unclearArchaeologists are still unsure what the spirals may have been used for since this is the first time such a find has been made in Denmark, The Local reported.
“Maybe the spirals were fastened to threads lining a hat or parasol. Maybe they were woven into hair or embroidered on a ceremonial garb,” said Flemming Kaul from the Danish National Museum.
“The fact is that we do not know, but I am inclined to believe that they were part of a priest-king’s garb or part of some headwear,” Mr. Kaul said.
Kirsten Christensen from the West Zealand Museum said that besides the spirals and gold bracelets, six golden bowls have been discovered in the area by local farmers in the 1800s.
