Ordinary or Extraordinary? Redressing the Problem of the Bronze Age Corded Skirt

Abstract

This article uses previously overlooked evidence to discuss the social role of the Bronze Age corded skirt found in Scandinavia. This skirt type has been interpreted in many different ways through the years, from a summer dress to the attire of un­ married women, and more recently the popular la­ bel “ritual dress” has been applied. The aim of this article is to critically review the various interpreta­ tions of the use and social role of the corded skirt, drawing on the entire data set available for study rather than just a small sample of the known traces of corded skirts. Here it is shown that there is evi­ dence indicating that the corded skirt was used at more times, and by more people and age groups, than previously thought, suggesting that it might have been an ordinary, everyday garment rather than something extraordinary.

Keywords

• costume
• southern Scandinavia
• gender roles
• age