Primary fields of research

The foundation of my research is built upon 35 years of experience in documenting, developing, and integrating ancient textile crafts, textile analysis, the study of textile tools, and production processes. This work is further enriched by comprehensive contextual analysis, as well as experimental and digital archaeology. My primary objective is to embed these findings within broader economic and cultural discussions of ancient societies, thereby highlighting the significance of textile research within the wider field of archaeology. My research spans several historical periods, including Viking Age Scandinavia, the Bronze Age Aegean, and the Ancient Near East. Additionally, I have investigated traditional textile crafts in regions such as Turkey and Jordan, among others.

Current research

I am currently leading a research team on the DFF-funded project Textile Resources in Viking Age Landscapes (TRIVAL). The overarching aim of the project is to enhance our understanding of the substantial demand for textile resources and its impact on land use and settlement structures in Denmark. Through case studies centred on the Limfjord region and Southwest Zealand, the project investigates how textile production influenced landscape exploitation and spatial organisation. Furthermore, it seeks to integrate and make these findings visible and accessible within broader studies of socio-political structures. For further information, please see TRIVAL

Knowledge of languages

Swedish, English, Danish and Norwegian

Fields of interest

Archaeology in Northern Europe and Mediterranean; textile production; craft organisation; trade; gender; archaeology and politic; archaeology and ethics; experimental archaeology, computer applications in Archaeology

Teaching

Teach prehistoric archaeolgy at Saxo Institute.

CV

Academic degrees

2023                    Professor in Archaeology University of Copenhagen

2012                    Docent, habilitation and appointment Lund University, Sweden

2000                    Phil. Dr. (PhD), in Prehistoric Archaeology, at Lund University

Academic employment

2023 Professor, Saxo institute, University of Copenhagen (since November 2023)

2025-2027  Head of School of Archaeology

2017-2024  Head of Centre for Textile Research, Saxo Institute, UCPH 

2015-2023   Associate professor in Archaeology, Saxo Institute, UCPH 

2005-2016    Deputy Director and Project Manager, The Danish National Research Foundation’s    Centre for Textile Research, Saxo Institute, UCPH

2009-2015 Lecturer, Saxo Institute, UCPH, June 2009-July 2015.

2000-2005 Lecturer and Director of Studies, Dept. of Archaeology and Ancient History, Lund  University