BJÖRNGRAVEN FRÅN KARATS En explorativ studie av arkeologiskt benmaterial och dess betydelse i den samiska religionen

Abstract

This thesis is an exploratory study of a Sámi Bear Grave found on a small island in lake Karats, Jokkmokk in 1983. The grave was excavated in 1986 and put on display at Ájtte, Swedish Mountain and Sámi Museum in Jokkmokk. The bear grave was built up with soil as a reconstruction at the museum and consolidated with “Casco Wood Glue” before it was put on exhibition 1989. The grave is still on display after 31 years. In the Sámi religion the bear was the most sacred animal and the hunting process included several rituals and was followed by a bear ceremony that lasted for days. The bear graves are evidence of this sacred ceremony, and it is important to preserve for future generations. Thought literature studies, this thesis gives an insight in the cultural background about Sámi bear ceremonies to raise awareness of its existence to a wider audience. From the specific bear grave found in lake Karats, two bones are analyzed with FTIR-ATR Spectroscopy to try to identify the current consolidation material and the condition of the bones and the consolidant. The bones were also investigated macroscopically, microscopically and with UV-light. Results from several of the analyses indicated that the consolidant is a Poly (Vinyl) Acetate which has degraded releasing acetic acid. The bones prove to be consisting mainly of hydroxyapatite. Small white/yellow blobs are located on the underside of the bones, which has been in direct contact with soil and have not been consolidated. This could be a factor for deterioration caused originally by Iron (Fe) from the time of burial in the ground. The aim of this thesis is to provide information to Ájtte museum about the condition of the bones, and if the current consolidant should be removed and replaced to improve the preservation of the grave. Moreover, to spread more knowledge about the b