| Huldremose Woman | |
| |
| Biographical Information | |
|---|---|
| Name(s) | Huldremose Woman
Huldre Fen Woman |
| Age | 40+ |
| Sex | Woman |
| Status | Unknown |
| Height | Unknown |
| Source | |
| Culture | Iron Age |
| Date(s) | 160 BCE - 340 BCE |
| Site | peat bog near Ramten, Jutland, Denmark |
| Current Location | |
| Location | National Museum of Denmark |
| Catalog # | none |
The Huldremose Woman bog body, also known as the Huldre Fen Woman, is an Iron Age mummy discovered by Niels Hanson, a school teacher, in a peat bog close to Ramten, Jutland, Denmark, on May 15, 1879.
When discovered, the body was found with its legs bent behind its back, the right arm was partially severed, believed to be caused by a shovel during the excavation. The mummy wore a skirt, a scarf, and a plaid cape, all made from wool. A comb and headband were also found on the body.
Biography[]
This woman is believed to have lived at least 40 years. Evidence on the body indicates that she had broken one of her legs, however, it had healed before death. Little is known about the Huldremose Woman's life yet, and much controversy surrounds her death. Lacerations on one of her feet is thought to have happened near the time of death. A rope was found around her neck. It was first believed that she could have been hanged or strangled, but no evidence on the body suggests death by strangulation.
Mummification[]
The mummification of the Huldremose Woman took place in a peat bog. The bogs acidity and oxygen levels allow for mummification of the body's soft parts such as skin, hair and stomach contents. The body must be quickly covered, and the water needs to be cold. This woman is one of the most well preserved bog mummies, much like the Tollund Man and the Grauballe Man.
Studies[]
In 1999 a dietary analysis was conducted. This consisted of two samples of gut contents. Once analyzed it was discovered that the Huldremose Woman's last meal was rye bread.
Pathology[]
Additional[]
- According the recent isotope analysis the wool from her clothing is believed to have been imported from Norway or Sweden
- Radiography reveals stubble of hair on the scalp as well of remains of the woman's brain inside the skull.
External Links[]
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0108464X.1990.10590041?journalCode=rdja19