Status in the grave

Colourful beads and outfits, shiny cloak pins. In the early Middle Ages, everyone loved them. Showing off was 'hot', whether it concerned men or women, rich or poor.

Beautiful items regularly emerge from medieval graves. They are grave gifts, selected by a deceased’s near and dear ones. Relatives ensure that the deceased are buried at their best.

Through the ages, people have had a desire to let their dead radiate something of perfection. Therefore, similar to our custom of burying our deceased in their finest clothes, early medieval tombs are full of ‘statements’: look how pious and wise this woman was, and how well she ran the household. And: this was a man of power, a super warrior, and an amazing horseman! And what about you? Would you want to show your status even after you have passed away?