Archaeologists have recently uncovered a remarkable discovery in western Norway, where ancient graves from the Viking era contain the remains of wealthy Viking women, along with jewelry, silver coins, and other intriguing artifacts.
The discovery, made at the Skumsnes archaeological site in Fitjar, a town in western Norway, further supports the growing evidence of the Vikings’ extensive trade network. Excavations at the site revealed over a dozen human remains dating back to around the 9th century AD, the Viking Age.
Among the remains, at least three were identified as belonging to women, who were buried with a variety of valuable items. These included glass beads, silver coins, and a unique artifact known as a “vulva stone.” Other items found in the graves were a triangular brooch with glass mosaic and gold enamel—likely originating from Ireland or England—and tools related to textile production, such as a weaving sword and a spindle whorl.
Researchers believe these findings offer new insight into Viking trade routes. Studies show that, after the disruption of the Middle Eastern ivory trade during the Crusades, Vikings began harvesting ivory from walruses and trading it to the region.
The newly discovered grave site may have functioned as a key port during the Viking Age, facilitating trade and interaction between Viking settlements and other regions.
The graves discovered at Skumsnes were notably elaborate, suggesting the individuals buried there held high social status. Soren Diinhoff, an archaeologist from the University Museum of Bergen, commented that the burial rituals point to the women’s important roles within their communities.
Although no skeletal remains of the women were found, the artifacts suggest that they may have come from abroad, potentially marrying into the Skumsnes community or having ties to continental Europe. One of the graves featured stones arranged to form a long Viking boat, likely serving as a ritual to assist the woman in her journey to the afterlife.
Perhaps the most striking discovery was the “vulva stone,” which was placed at the point where the mast of the stone ship would have been. Shaped to resemble a woman’s genitalia, this object may have been used as a marker to indicate the grave belonged to a woman. It is possible that the woman’s body was not buried at the site but elsewhere, which may explain the absence of her bones.
This excavation highlights the critical roles that Viking women played in trade, leadership, and craftsmanship, underscoring their significant influence within their societies.
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