A recent metal detecting outing along the central coast of Norway has led to the remarkable discovery of a Viking Age grave, shedding light on burial customs that date back over 1,200 years. The find occurred in Trøndelag, a region on the North Atlantic coast, and is believed to date as far back as 850 CE, according to Raymond Sauvage, head engineer at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s archaeology and cultural history department.
The discovery was initiated by detectorist Roy Søreng, who had been exploring the area for metal artifacts for a couple of years and had previously uncovered various Viking Age and medieval treasures. This time, however, he stumbled upon an unusual signal that led to the unearthing of an oval brooch, with another similar brooch still located in the ground. Recognizing the significance of his find, Søreng alerted local archaeological institutions, prompting a thorough excavation by archaeologists from the NTNU Science Museum and Trøndelag County.
Researchers speculate that the grave may belong to a married woman of notable standing within her farming community. The grave is dated to approximately 800–850 CE, based on the design and decorations of the brooches found within. Notably, this burial offers a rare opportunity for insight into Viking Age mortuary practices, particularly since the acidic soils of Norway typically hinder the preservation of skeletal remains.
Archaeologists found two classic oval brooches used by Vikings to fasten garments, confirming the woman’s married status, and a smaller fibula associated with undergarments. The ornate jewelry suggests that she was a prominent figure—possibly with ritual responsibilities—within her community.
The burial ritual itself was particularly intricate. The skeleton was remarkably preserved, and the practice of placing scallop shells at the mouth of the deceased while lining the grave with bird wings presents a unique insight into Viking cultural customs. The shells were positioned to form a protective cover over the mouth, an arrangement not previously documented in Norway’s pre-Christian graves.
In addition to the shells, bird bones were found arranged within the grave, indicating that the burial held special significance and possibly reflecting the deceased’s identity or spiritual beliefs. The unusual combination of these items hints that this individual may have been connected to fertility symbolism or similar spiritual practices.
This extraordinary find not only enriches our understanding of Viking Age rituals but also illuminates the complex relationship these people had with their beliefs and societal roles. The preservation of the burial items and the skeleton provides a valuable opportunity for archaeologists to explore the cultural narratives of Norway’s Viking past.