A cairn in Roslagen with the oldest shoe in Sweden

This article discusses a previously overlooked find from a cairn at Igelsta–Västerängen, Söderby-Karl parish in Roslagen, eastern Uppland, Sweden. In 1943, several graves in a large cemetery were excavated here, one of which yielded a Roman cauldron along with mounts for two drinking horns. Hide fragments found beneath the cauldron were initially interpreted as the remains of a bear pelt. However, a re-examination of the finds at the National Historical Museum of Sweden in 2023 revealed that the hide fragments were actually parts of a shoe dating from around 70–250 AD. The shoe design has some parallels in Roman material. Further, the construction history of the monumental grave where the fragments were found appears to be more complex than previously assumed.Radiocarbon dating indicates the cremated bones found near the cauldron belonged to an earlier burial. The presence of the shoe, along with high-status artefacts, suggests this is one of the most spectacular Early Iron Age contexts in the eastern part of central Sweden. The burial reflects both local traditions and Roman influences, suggesting a hybrid ritual practice that underscores the cultural and symbolic significance of footwear in the Early Iron Age.