Koelbjerg Woman

The Koelbjerg Man' (formerly known as Koelbjerg Woman) is the oldest known bog body and the oldest known human remains discovered in Denmark. Dating to approximately 8050–8000 BCE during the Maglemosian culture, he represents one of the earliest known inhabitants of Scandinavia after the end of the last Ice Age. On 21 May 1941, the discovery was reported to the Fyns Stiftsmuseum, whose staff excavated the site and carefully documented the scattered bones.

Osteological examination determined that Koelbjerg Man died at approximately 20 to 25 years of age and stood about tall. His teeth were complete and showed little wear or evidence of disease, while his skull and limb bones were robust.

Exhibition

In 1972–1973, Koelbjerg Man's skull was loaned to the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen for a new exhibition on Danish prehistory, where he was presented as the oldest known person from Denmark. The skull returned to the Fyns Stiftsmuseum in 1979 and was replaced at the National Museum by a cast.

In August 2013, Koelbjerg Man became the opening exhibit in Fyn – midt i verden ("Funen – Centre of the World"), a permanent exhibition at Møntergården in Odense. The exhibition presents the history of Funen and Odense from Koelbjerg Man, who lived more than 10,000 years ago, to the modern city.

When the museum was renamed TID – Museum for Odense on 1 June 2024, Koelbjerg Man remained on display as the oldest known person found in Denmark.