Figurine

Birdlike figurine of elk antler, probably some kind of duck. Hunting waterbirds was an important, intensive part of life and the down was 'worth its weight in silver'. It was used as a stuffing for cushions and bolsters. In eastern Scandinavia and what is modern day Finland waterbirds were important within the Christian symbolic world. They were thought to be escorts, guiding the souls of the dead to paradise. Find from Svarta Jorden, Birka, Adelsö Parish, Uppland.

Image rights: Jens Mohr, Historiska museet/SHM (CC BY 4.0)

Object number: 107535_HST

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