Reinterpretations of ceramics from Hedegård An interdisciplinary approach of Iron Age vessels based on Nina Lund’s ceramics exhibition

Abstract

Following article explores archaeological ceramic finds from the Hedegård settlement and burial site in Central Jutland, Denmark. The dating of Hedegård is the late Pre-Roman Iron Age to early Roman Iron Age, which features distinctive pottery used in daily life as well as in burial contexts. Nina Lund who is a local ceramicist, interprets and recreates Hedegård ceramics through modern pottery techniques, which she exhibits alongside the corresponding prehistoric vessels to highlight functional and aesthetic. The exhibition includes interpretations from the archaeologist, Orla Madsen, emphasizing the interdisciplinary approach from both a ceramists and archeologist point of view. From Lunds broad knowledge as a ceramicist and the use of analogues of modern table settings, she discovers new ways to analyze and interpret the vessel's possible functionalities. This collaboration is unique in the sense that Iron Age village replicas use the ancient techniques and therefore the functionality of different vessels are often guessed. The article underscores the archaeological approach in reconstructing and understanding ancient craftsmanship and daily life, while also combining knowledge from multiple disciplines.