The Golden Women (Gouden Vrouwen) exhibition in the Stadsmuseum in Rhenen finally sees some of its treasures return home.
The items on display were found in the area in 1951 in the largest medieval burial ground in the Netherlands. Around 1100 men, women and children from the period between 400 and 800 were buried there, alongside around 300 artefacts. These artefacts were allocated to the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden. Now, some of these have found their way home after 75 years.
The 150 items are spread out over two rooms and consist of sparkling jewels with pearls and almandine but also coins, pins, beads and utensils. The highlight of the exhibition is the skull relic of Saint Cunera, which is on loan for the very first time.
Saint Cunera is the patron saint of the city and was said to be a Princess from the Orkney Islands (the museum calls her both “English” and “Scottish”). She was the only survivor of a massacre in which Saint Ursula and her eleven thousand virgins were martyred in Cologne. She was taken to Rhenen by the King of the Rhine, and he became devoted to her. This aroused the jealousy of his wife, who strangled her to death with a scarf.
The exhibition walks visitors through the lives of the people who were found in 1951 and the rituals used for their burials. It begins downstairs with a short video, which is also the only part of the exhibition with English subtitles. The items on display only have Dutch information.
The items are absolutely wonderful, and it’s almost a miracle how well-preserved they are after all these years. My favourite piece of jewellery was this rock crystal pendant—one can see it on the neck of a wise woman. The skull of Cunera is a great addition to the exhibition, and it’s a shame it’s tucked into such a dark corner. This is done to preserve the skull, but I walked right by it at first.
The little shop in the museum has some great items as well, which is always a plus. Overall, I’d highly recommend this exhibition, and it more than made up for the weird reception I received when I entered (through the wrong door, apparently!).
The exhibition will run until 7 December 2024. Plan your visit here.
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