Visualised under a digital microscope: Unique finds from the burial ground at Wittorf (District of Rotenburg)

Last week, Dipl. Rest. Lena Geidner and Dr. Stefan Hesse visited the NIhK. Together with Dr. Katrin Struckmeyer and Christina Peek M.A. they examined metal finds from the early medieval burial ground at Wittorf (District of Rotenburg Wümme). The observations focussed on the technological examination and detailed photographic recording of the numerous organic layers that had already been carefully uncovered. Under high magnification, it was possible to document not only various fine textile layers of linen and wool, but also sewn leather, mineralised wooden handles, various plant remains and excellently preserved feathers. The outstanding state of preservation of the organic artefacts gives hope for many new insights into early medieval burial rites. The extremely fruitful collaboration is to be continued within the framework of further detailed investigations and in the form of a close scientific exchange.