Destroyed Witnesses 

A surprising pattern emerges, particularly in the case of horse bridles and gold bracelets: the most valuable objects were destroyed or cut up more frequently than the less valuable ones. Is this because their owners were particularly important, and their possessions were therefore regarded as powerful? Perhaps the traces of destruction reflect the power and significance of these objects and their bearers.   

 Objects such as shield bosses, swords, shields, and spearheads also underwent this procedure before being laid to rest. Can we imagine this process as part of a ritual celebration? Was this destruction a symbolic disempowerment of the defeated warriors?  

 1) Parts of a gold bridle. 2) Destroyed gold arm rings. 3) Destroyed shield bosses made of copper alloy.  

 Site: Thorsberg bog