Academic and professional interests
Archaeology, Middle Ages, urbanisation, metal production, craftsmanship, archaeometry, lead isotope analysis, pedagogy, lecturing, education, knowledge transfer
PhD Thesis
Rock and Heavy Metal: Mining and metallurgy in Eastern Norway in the Middle Ages, AD 1030-1537.
The point of departure for this study was a single crystal of the mineral galena, from which lead and silver can be produced. The crystal was unearthed during archaeological investigations of a 12th–13th-century context in Oslo, Norway. Galena is relatively common in the geological Oslo Region. However, up until now there has been no confirmed evidence for the mining of rock mineral deposits in Norway before the end of the 15th century. Thus, the overarching question for the study was whether there is evidence for the exploitation of galena and the production of metallic lead or silver during the Middle Ages in eastern Norway.
In the study, methods from the natural sciences were combined with traditional archaeological artefact investigations to study lead and silver objects from the region. By lead isotope analysis (LIA) and elemental analysis, the geological origin of the metals was discussed. The analyses revealed a large general spread in isotopic compositions and elemental compositions, which show that a variety of different metals and alloys were used during the Middle Ages. However, a significant group of artefacts of pure lead have a specific isotopic composition close to ore material from the Oslo Region. The analyses have made probable that galena was mined, and metallic lead produced in or close to the Old Town of Oslo in the period AD 1125–1325. The production was initiated by the end of the 12th century at the latest. Furthermore, objects of local lead were distributed regionally, and to some extent mixed with imported lead. The analyses suggest that the exploited galena ore was located in the central part of the geological Oslo Region.
It is argued that galena was smelted in simple hearths to produce pure and soft metallic lead. Furthermore, it is argued that locally produced lead was used to craft a specific type of lead spindle whorl with a ribbed collar. Several of the spindle whorls show identical features and could therefore have been cast in the same mould. It is suggested that the ribbed spindle whorls were produced within an urban household or craft centre in the Old Town of Oslo. This study has thus deepened our understanding of the medieval society, the utilisation of local resources, and technical advances, during the Middle Ages in Norway.
Background
Academic background:
- (2023 ‒ 2024) Universitetspedagogisk basiskompetanse, University of Oslo.
- (2019 ‒ 2023) PhD Research Fellow, Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo.
- (2015 ‒ 2017) Master in Archaeology, Department of archaeology, conservation and history, University of Oslo.
- (2012 ‒ 2015) Bachelor in Archaeology, Department of archaeology, conservation and history, University of Oslo.
- (2005 ‒ 2006) Art history, Columbia University, New York.
- (1992 ‒ 1996) Master of Science in Engineering, Faculty of Marine Technology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
Work experience:
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(2025 - ) Adviser Department of Archaeology, Viking Congress, Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo.
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(2025 - ) Editor Primitive tider.
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(2024 - ) Self-employed: teaching, editorial work, research.
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(2023 - 2024) Completion grant fellow, Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo.
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(2019 ‒ 2023) Phd fellow, Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo.
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(2019 ‒ 2019) Field archaeologist, Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo.
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(2018 ‒ 2019) Lecturer and educator, DKS, Akershus Fylkeskommune.
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(2017 ‒ 2018) Secretray for the editorial board, Viking tidsskrift, Norsk Arkeologisk Selskap.
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(2017 ‒ 2018) Project coordinator, Historieforskerne, Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo.
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(2017 ‒ 2017) Research assistant, Department of archaeology, conservation and history, University of Oslo.
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(2000 ‒ 2013) Consultant and manager, Bekk Consulting AS.
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(1997 ‒ 2000) Consultant, McKinsey & Company.