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Neolithic amber

Throughout the Stone Age amber was collected. The largest amounts were found along the coasts of Jutland. The amber was carved into beads or other jewellery to hang around the neck or sew on clothes. In the Early Neolithic period there was large-scale gathering and working of amber, and the biggest finds of amber beads are from this period. As was the case with the stone axes, large amounts of amber jewellery were deposited as sacrifices in lakes and bogs. Most finds are from northern and central Jutland. Some deposits weigh up to 8.5 kg. Amber was a coveted material – the more lumps one owned the greater one’s status.

Neolitic amber
Pottery vessel with amber beads found at Sortekærs Mose.
Neolitic amber
Depositions of amber from the Early Neolithic, 3800-3300 BC.