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Do cult activities at Uppåkra and Helgö create heterotopias? A reconceptualization of central places

Eliasson, Jolin LU (2014) ARKM22 20241
Historical Archaeology
Abstract
The rise of Iron Age central places has become a complex debate. Traditionally, central places have been
described as places of power, serving multiple public functions – political, economical, and religious, to name a
few – at a regional or supra-regional level. Few researchers have further nuanced or challenged the concept, and
therefore, the complexities of central places have often been underestimated. This comparative case-study of
Uppåkra and Helgö explores whether Michel Foucault's concept of heterotopia can challenge and broaden the
debate on Iron Age central places in Scandinavia. By applying the six principles of Foucault’s theory and
juxtaposing archaeological material, heterotopian phenomenons and tendencies can been... (More)
The rise of Iron Age central places has become a complex debate. Traditionally, central places have been
described as places of power, serving multiple public functions – political, economical, and religious, to name a
few – at a regional or supra-regional level. Few researchers have further nuanced or challenged the concept, and
therefore, the complexities of central places have often been underestimated. This comparative case-study of
Uppåkra and Helgö explores whether Michel Foucault's concept of heterotopia can challenge and broaden the
debate on Iron Age central places in Scandinavia. By applying the six principles of Foucault’s theory and
juxtaposing archaeological material, heterotopian phenomenons and tendencies can been identified within the
cultic spheres at Uppåkra and Helgö. This is demonstrated through deposits of material and organic remains,
implicating sacrificing rituals as well as festive activities. Incorporated ideologies and rituals within medical and
agricultural practices and beliefs, including surgical instruments. Gold foil figures found in association to the
cult house in Uppåkra as well as the ceremonial hall at Helgö implicates a physical and symbolic division,
exposing reality and it’s ”incorrect” norms and regulations. Applying Foucault’s principles on archeological
data has enriched the understanding of central places in Iron Age Scandinavia as dynamic and multifaceted
entities. This research provides a new dimension of central places, emphasizing their religious significance and
their role in shaping societal norms, thereby contributing to the debate by offering a nuanced perspective on the
cultural and social importance of these central places. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Eliasson, Jolin LU
supervisor
organization
course
ARKM22 20241
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Uppåkra, Helgö, Central Places, Heterotopia, Michel Foucault, Cult, Rituals, Iron Age, Juxtapose, Deviation
language
English
id
9160801
date added to LUP
2024-06-14 16:51:01
date last changed
2024-06-14 16:51:01
@misc{9160801,
  abstract     = {{The rise of Iron Age central places has become a complex debate. Traditionally, central places have been
described as places of power, serving multiple public functions – political, economical, and religious, to name a
few – at a regional or supra-regional level. Few researchers have further nuanced or challenged the concept, and
therefore, the complexities of central places have often been underestimated. This comparative case-study of
Uppåkra and Helgö explores whether Michel Foucault's concept of heterotopia can challenge and broaden the
debate on Iron Age central places in Scandinavia. By applying the six principles of Foucault’s theory and
juxtaposing archaeological material, heterotopian phenomenons and tendencies can been identified within the
cultic spheres at Uppåkra and Helgö. This is demonstrated through deposits of material and organic remains,
implicating sacrificing rituals as well as festive activities. Incorporated ideologies and rituals within medical and
agricultural practices and beliefs, including surgical instruments. Gold foil figures found in association to the
cult house in Uppåkra as well as the ceremonial hall at Helgö implicates a physical and symbolic division,
exposing reality and it’s ”incorrect” norms and regulations. Applying Foucault’s principles on archeological
data has enriched the understanding of central places in Iron Age Scandinavia as dynamic and multifaceted
entities. This research provides a new dimension of central places, emphasizing their religious significance and
their role in shaping societal norms, thereby contributing to the debate by offering a nuanced perspective on the
cultural and social importance of these central places.}},
  author       = {{Eliasson, Jolin}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Do cult activities at Uppåkra and Helgö create heterotopias? A reconceptualization of central places}},
  year         = {{2014}},
}