Metal Detectorist Uncovers Rare Viking Age Grave in Norway

A metal detectorist in Norway has made a remarkable discovery, unearthing a Viking Age grave believed to belong to a woman adorned with costume and jewelry from the 800s. The find occurred in Trøndelag County, prompting archaeologists to excavate the site to further explore its significant historical context.

Roy Søreng was the individual behind this intriguing discovery. Upon finding an oval brooch, he promptly contacted researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Subsequently, a team led by Raymond Sauvage, head engineer at the NTNU Museum’s Department of Archaeology and Cultural History, began the excavation, working discreetly to protect the site and its archaeological treasures.

Insights into Viking Life

The grave contains the skeletal remains of what is believed to be a woman, who was buried with items indicative of her status. According to Sauvage, the presence of a typical Viking Age costume and jewelry set suggests she was likely a free and possibly married woman, potentially the mistress of a farm. The burial includes two oval brooches, including the one discovered by Søreng, which were used to attach straps of a suspender dress, as well as a ring buckle for closing a petticoat.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the find is the presence of two scallop shells partially covering the deceased’s mouth. While scallop shells are recognized as a Christian symbol associated with the cult of St. James during the Middle Ages, their occurrence in pre-Christian graves is exceedingly rare. Sauvage remarked, “This is a practice that is not previously known from pre-Christian graves in Norway. We don’t yet know what the symbolism means.”

The excavation also revealed bird bones, likely wing bones, found within the grave. Researchers from Norwegian SciTech News suggest that both the shells and the bird bones may have held symbolic significance for those participating in or observing the burial.

Preserving the Past

The excavation follows another significant find in the same area earlier this year, where a pristine skeleton was documented. According to Hanne Bryn, field supervisor from the Department of Archaeology and Cultural History, the new grave is estimated to be one to three generations younger than the previous discovery. During the initial inspection, Bryn noted the urgency as the site faced potential damage from upcoming ploughing. Fortunately, landowner Arve Innstrand granted permission for the excavation to proceed.

With the excavation complete, the next phase involves a thorough analysis of the skeletal remains. Sauvage indicated that the research team will examine the skeleton for various factors, including body height, gender-defining traits, and potential traces of disease. They will also preserve the discovered artifacts and take samples for dating and DNA analysis. The aim is to learn more about the individual and explore possible familial connections to the previous find in the same location.

The discoveries made by Søreng and the subsequent archaeological efforts not only shed light on Viking life but also contribute to a deeper understanding of the cultural practices of the time. As the analysis unfolds, historians and archaeologists alike anticipate uncovering more about this intriguing period in history.