Grave of Viking woman found in central Norway

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) field manager Eystein Østmo and a team of archaeologists have made a unique discovery which has puzzled archaeologists across the country.

Maria Vestvik and Elise Kjørsvik from the NTNU Science Museum at the Viking grave
[Credit: Eystein Østmoe/NTNU University Museum]

Soil that was visibly black and greasy initially gave away the gravesite. This also gave away the site’s longevity. It pointed to the fact that a person had been buried underground her a long time ago. The grave has, in fact, been dated to around 1,000 years ago.

Some of the grave beads found [Credit: Åge Hojem/ 
NTNU University Museum]

Archaeological finds of Viking graves aren’t necessarily unusual. This particular site, however, gave researchers a surprise. Graves are usually found in groups, but this was the only burial site for miles around. But that’s not all. Remains of a square encasement showed that this no ordinary grave. It was a burial chamber.

Ingvild Mjelde and Elise Kjørsvik clean the beads [Credit: Eystein Østmoe/
NTNU University Museum]

Such chambers were usually reserved for city folk and elite members of Viking society. But Hestnes in Trøndelag was a countryside location since the Viking Age, far from larger settlements.

The woman's buckle [Credit: Eystein Østmoe/
NTNU University Museum]

Grave items indicate that the woman was buried about a thousand years ago. Bone and teeth remains have been discovered in the grave. Once they’re analyzed further, they might give key clues as to who the Viking woman was.

Finds from the grave. Spinning wheel and buckle [Credit: Thora Nyborg/
 NTNU Science Museum]

Green and purple-coloured beads are also among found artifacts. So far, researchers have counted over 300. Various brooches and combs were retrieved, too.

The excavation area at Hestnes [Credit: Kristoffer Rantala/
NTNU Science Museum]

Given the elaborate nature of the grave and items within, scientists believe the woman was among the more powerful members of the local community.

As of now, the mystery lady’s identity remains to be unravelled.

Source: Norway Today [October 28, 2020]

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