Michael Dahlin

Michael Dahlin, Blankaholm

I meet Michael on a small road halfway between Sulegång and Baggetorp, two villages in the Misterhult area. Here, dense forest mixes with pasture land and the Virån river winds bravely between trees and boulders. Nowadays, this is a tranquil place, but in the Middle Ages, it was a lively industrial area where iron was produced and iron objects were forged. It is hard to imagine today, but if anyone can see the signs in the landscape of interesting remains, it is Michael. He is, after all, an archaeologist and conducts excavations in the area, aptly named Smedjemåla.  

We make our way through the forest to a clearing right along the river. A bit further away on the other side, a red cottage comes into view, which turns out to be the old mill building. Around us are traces of Michael's excavations, and he generously shares the exciting history of the place. It is clear that this is something he is passionate about. With shining eyes, he tells that the finds at this site are truly unique and that there are also other remains around the region that likely belong to some of Europe's most important Bronze Age remains. There is so much potential here, he says. He hopes that the municipalities will recognize the rich cultural history that exists and dare to invest more in it as a tourist attraction in the future.  

Michael grew up in Oskarshamn, but moved in 2006 to gives him greater freedom to work with his together with his family. Almost immediately, they were drawn into the spirit of living in the countryside and engaging in their place. Perhaps not so surprising that the subject of hismaster's thesis became the Bronze Age in Misterhult. 2016 Michael transitioned to becoming self-employed and started the business ”Archaeology & Cultural Landscape”, in which he offers services such as archaeological surveys, guided tours, and lectures. He also works a lot on various projects, teaches, and conducts courses. For Michael, it is perfect to live in the countryside, it gives him greater freedom to work with his passion and to carry out projects. He tells that the best thing about living in gives him greater freedom to work with his is that the place has a rich history, there is a nice community and that the people have a lot of drive. ”Here there is a belief in the future and opportunities to develop one's countryside”, he concludes, before we take the path back through the forest and leave Smedjemåla back to the jays and the last summer butterflies.  

Read more about Michael's company and research: dahlinarkeologi.se

Text and image: Jenny Svendsby