Intentionally “killed” bronze sword, Germany, 9th century BCA Mörigen-type sword with a solid metal hilt inlaid with diamond-shaped iron decoration. Dimensions: width 8.4 cm, length 72 cm.It was discovered in a warrior’s grave, placed directly at his head, in southern Germany (Württemberg region), near Blaubeuren-Ash. The sword had been deliberately broken into 12 pieces. In this way, it was ritually “killed” — removed from the world of the living and presented to the deceased.
The burial also contained a bronze bowl, 30 bronze arrowheads, the remains of a scabbard, quiver and bow, as well as two ceramic vessels.Nevertheless, we can visualize its original appearance.
A very similar sword from the same period (photo 3) was found in 1984 in Berlin during the digging of a department store foundation pit.The construction workers failed to report the discovery and attempted to sell the artifacts (two swords, a spearhead, and a dagger hilt) on the black market. As a result, the archaeological context was completely lost.
This sword is now on display at the Berlin City Museum.State Museum of Württemberg (Landesmuseum Württemberg), inv. no. SU1236-1, Stuttgart, Germany.