Denmark: Vasagård – Institute for Field Research

Location: Rønne, DK

Season: June 5, 2023 to June 30, 2023

Session Dates: June 5 – June 30, 2023

Application Deadline: April 24, 2023

Deadline Type: Exact Date

Website: https://ifrglobal.org/program/denmark-vasagard/

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Institute for Field Research, Connecticut College, BARC-Bornholm Museum, Denmark, National Museum, Denmark

Project Director:
Dr. Finn Ole Nielsen, Dr. Paul Otto Nielsen, Dr. M. Nicolás Caretta, MSc. Michael Thorsen

Project Description:

The site of Vasagård is located on the southern side of the island of Bornholm, Denmark. Vasagård is separated by the 100m Læså valley from two nearly identical Neolithic sites, and consists of a tomb system where a dolmen and a passage grave can be found close to the settlement. The grave system and causewayed enclosures are dated from c. 3500 BC., and constitute the most north-eastern occurrence of this complex type in Europe. During the excavations of 2013-2017, almost three hundred broken and complete flat engraved stones were uncovered, marked with patterns of radiating straight lines. Named “sun stones” or “solar stones”, archaeologists from the Bornholm Museum have postulated that these artifacts were likely part of the rituals carried out by Neolithic sun-worshipping practitioners about 5,000 years ago. New excavations will help to increase and to improve the amount of information about the site and the Neolithic history of the Baltic region.

Period(s) of Occupation: Neolithic Europe

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Participants are required to stay for the full duration of the field school.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: No prior experience is required to participate in this field school.

Room and Board Arrangements:
The field house is in the city of Rønne, capital of the island of Bornholm. It has been adapted into a comfortable bungalow with beds (bathrooms with shower, WC, and heating system), which also provides free Wi-Fi. Participants are expected to bring sleeping bags and personal towels. Rooms will be shared. Food is not included in the tuition for this program. The house, however, is properly furnished with all the cooking appliances and refrigerators so students can share the tasks of doing the shopping and cooking their own meals on their own. In the city, there are several options of places where food can be bought for affordable prices (approx. 15 to 20 $US). Food stores are within a walking distance from the guest house. Cost: Room is covered in cost of the tuition. Participants should budget money to cover their food during the program.

Academic Credit:
8 Semester Credits credits offered by Connecticut College.