Charismatic Objects: From Roman Times to the Middle Ages

231 Pages·2018·10.617 MB·English

by  Zanette T. Glørstad, Elna Siv Kristoffersen, Ingunn M. Røstad, Marianne Vedeler

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Extraordinary objects, things that convey collective narratives as well as a record sto . V C H A R I S M AT I C
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stories that are told about them. The present volume explores the concept of rst sta From Roman TimC HeAsR tIoS MthATeI CM OidBdJ EleC TASges
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historical examples dating from the Roman Period to the late Middle Ages. e
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) M. Vedeler | I.M. Røstad | E.S. Kristoffersen | Z.T.Glørstad (eds).
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THE EDITORS:
Marianne Vedeler is Professor in Archaeology at the Museum of Cultural
History, University of Oslo.
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Ingunn M. Røstad is Associate Professor in Archaeology at the Museum of
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Cultural History, University of Oslo.
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Elna Siv Kristoffersen is Professor in Archaeology at the Museum of S
Archaeology, University of Stavanger. M
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Zanette T. Glørstad is Associate Professor in Archaeology at the University T
of Oslo. I
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ISBN 978-82-02-59724-5
9 788202 597245
www.cda.no
Charismatic objects_choise.indd All Pages 20.11.2018 09:26

C H A R I S M AT I C
O B J EC TS
From Roman Times
to the Middle Ages
M. Vedeler, I.M. Røstad, E.S. Kristoffersen
and Z.T.Glørstad (eds).
S
© CAPPELEN DAMM AS, Oslo, 2018
ISBN 978-82-02-59724-5 T
1st edition, 1st print 2018
N
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
E
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.
T
Cover photo: Kirsten J. Helgeland
Cover design: have a book, Polen
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Printing and binding: UAB Balto Print, 2018
Font: CapitoliumNews, Mr Eaves
Typesetting: have a book, Polen
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Papir: Munken Lynx 120 g

www.cda.no C
[email protected]
Preface . ............................................................................... 6
Chapter 1. THE CHARISMATIC POWER OF OBJECTS
Marianne Vedeler . .............................................................................. 9
Chapter 2. THE DEATH OF SERPENT-HEAD RINGS
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Ritual destruction of elite insignia from the Roman Period
Håkon Reiersen . .......................................................................................... 31
T Chapter 3. THE CHARISMA OF EXTENDED BIOGRAPHIES AND AESTHETICS
Migration Period cases
Elna Siv Kristoffersen . ............................................................................................ 57
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Chapter 4. THE IMMORTAL BROOCH
The tradition of great ornamental bow brooches in Migration and Merovingian Period Norway
Ingunn Marit Røstad . ................................................................................................ 73
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Chapter 5. TRACING CHARISMA
An ‘Anglo-Saxon workbox’ from an early Viking Age burial in Norway,
its Scandinavian counterparts and European context
T 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
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Kristin Armstrong Oma . .............................................................................................. 125
Chapter 7. CHARISMA, VIOLENCE AND WEAPONS
The broken swords of the Vikings
O
Hanne Lovise Aannestad . ......................................................................................... 147
Chapter 8. MEDIEVAL PILGRIM BADGES
Souvenirs or valuable charismatic objects?
C Margrete Figenschou Simonsen . ............................................................................. 169
Chapter 9. THE LINKÖPING MITRE
Ecclesiastical textiles and episcopal identity
Ingrid Lunnan Nødseth .............................................................................. 197
Bibliography . ................................................................................. 217
Authors ................................................................................. 231
T
his volume is the result of a number of seminars and
workshops in 2015–2016, organized by the research group
ECHO – C harismatic Objects – at the Museum of Cultural
History in Oslo. Through the combined efforts of national
E and 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,
C
visual and emotional impact and social representativity. As humans,
we understand and experience the objects and things around us
A 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
F
the basis of our cosmology and our perception of reality. When beliefs,
norms and memories merge with the physical experience of the object,
E emotions are aroused. Extraordinary objects, things that express col-
lective and conservation stories evoke extraordinary feelings. Both
the physi cal characteristics of the objects and the myths surrounding
R
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
P
told about them.
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 charis-
matic 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 charis-
matic 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 publica-
tion 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 culture­s pecific
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?
B
THE CONCEPT OF CHARISMA
oth the physical features of the object and
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
that 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 in different ways, but neverthe- a person or an object, but as a magical, transcendental,
less within a cosmological framework, thus understand- or religious power endowed with volition: something
ing both objects and humans as part of an animated that enters a concrete object and becomes the source
universe. of awe. In this view, the belief in such a power is the
The significance of material culture has gone unno- engine or foundation of charisma. In cases where the
ticed in the modern discourse of charisma, although force is believed to be within a thing or object, this
the idea of charismatic objects is not new. The concept object becomes both powerful and dangerous.
of charisma that has been widely discussed in sociolog- Is charisma about controlling central parts of peo-
ical literature has concentrated on personal leadership. ple’s lives? It could be argued that the need to structure
Still, Weber has described forms of charismatic power our understanding of the world is a general human
based on a belief that forces can enter an object, as well trait. Existential questions related to understanding
as animals and humans (Weber 1968a). In cases where ourselves as beings in the world, need to be answered
this force is believed to be within a physical thing, it is through a common structure or order. If so, those who
no longer just another object, but a thing of great value are believed to create or maintain such an order have
and a possessor of an important collective narrative. the potential to arouse awe (Shils 1965:201). Studies of
10 CHAPTER 1