The Discovery
In the 1880s a farm called "Bocksten" (previously "Boxsten") was established in a bog. The bog was then regularly drained, and a harrow used to gather peat. Harry Johansson had previously found a leather shoe in the wetland that was given to the Varberg museum. A shoe sole was found in the bog in Summer 1934, but the curator of the local museum, Albert Sandklef did not recognize its importance.
The body was found while gathering peat on 22 June 1936 by Johansson. His harrow apparently caught on sackcloth. On examination Johansson saw parts of a skeleton. The day after, Johansson and his father contacted the local police and a doctor. On investigation, they realized it was too old to be of criminal interest.
Sandklef was contacted again. He took charge, inviting others — among them the well-known geologist Lennart von Post. The group visited on 24 June. They measured and photographed the find before excavating it. The upper parts of the man had passed through the harrow and were badly damaged while the lower parts were intact.
The Swedish Museum of National Antiquities was consulted after the midsummer weekend to assist conservation. Curator Gillis Olson and their textile expert Agnes Geijer took part in the conservation and evaluation. They came to Varberg on 9 July, assisting Sandkelf in the documentation and giving conservation advice.
The Bocksten Man has been part of the museum's exhibition since 1937.
Read more about this topic: Bocksten Man
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