A Rare Find in Steinsfeld
In the quiet town of Steinsfeld, located in Germany’s Ansbach district, archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery that has sent ripples through the historical community. A 1,400-year-old folding chair, believed to date back to the end of the 6th century, was unearthed from an early medieval woman’s grave.
The Excavation
The Bavarian State Office for Monument Protection announced this extraordinary find on August 29, 2022. The iron folding chair, measuring approximately 70 x 45 centimeters, was found about two meters below ground level in a grave measuring 1.3 by 2.7 meters.
A Glimpse into the Past
The grave belonged to a woman who died between the ages of 40 and 50. Along with the chair, several other artifacts were discovered:
- A string of multi-colored glass beads around her neck
- A belt hanger with various ornaments, including brooches and a spindle whorl
- An animal bone placed next to the folding chair at her feet
Nearby, archaeologists also uncovered a man’s grave containing weapons, leg combs, and other personal items.
The Significance of the Discovery
Professor Mathias Pfeil, curator general of the Bavarian State Office for Monument Protection, emphasized the rarity and importance of this find. “This discovery provides invaluable insights into the burial practices of prominent members of society and the early use of furniture,” he stated.
A Symbol of Status
Folding chairs from this era are extremely rare, with only 29 early medieval tombs containing such items found across Europe. Of these, only six were made of iron like the one discovered in Steinsfeld. These chairs are often interpreted as “special gifts” indicating the deceased’s higher social rank or position.
Preserving the Past
Restorers are now carefully examining and uncovering the folding chair in the restoration workshops of the Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation near Bamberg. This meticulous process will help preserve this rare artifact for future generations, offering a tangible link to our distant past and the people who once walked the same ground we do today.
