Archaeologists have made remarkable archaeological discoveries recently along the picturesque coast of western Norway, shedding light on the region's rich Viking history and cultural heritage. Two significant sites have emerged as focal points of interest—the Viking Age burial site at Skumsnes farm and the Karnilshaugen burial mound, each telling unique stories about ancient Norwegian societies.
At Skumsnes farm, located on the west coast of Norway, archaeologists have uncovered a Viking Age burial site believed to date back to the early 9th century. This site, which began its story through the diligent work of metal detector enthusiasts who initially found coins and brooches, led to excavations by the University of Bergen. The findings include rare artifacts such as jewelry, silver coins, and grave markers, potentially illuminating the lives of high-ranking Viking women. According to Søren Diinhoff, an archaeologist from the University Museum of Bergen, the site is akin to "a small treasure trove," emphasizing its potential to provide insights about the role of women during this historical period.
Among the graves uncovered, two belonged to women of high status, with one grave containing exquisite costume jewelry, including oval brooches used to fasten apron dresses and rare coins. The centerpiece of this collection is a coin believed to have originated from the Danish Viking towns of Hedeby or Ribe, lauded by Diinhoff as "the most remarkable find here." Additional coins identified as Carolingian silver from the Frankish Empire suggest these women had connections to continental Europe, emphasizing the extensive trade networks of the Viking Age.
Another intriguing grave featured stones arranged like those of a boat, complete with rivets from what must have been a 13-foot-long vessel. It contained tools for textile production, including weaving swords and wool shears, reinforcing the idea of textile work as prestigious and indicative of high societal standing. Diinhoff states, "Textile production was prestigious. Farms producing fine clothing held high status," highlighting how these women could accumulate wealth and influence through their craftsmanship.
A unique highlight among these graves is the bronze key found within, symbolizing the authority these women wielded over their households. Unn Pedersen, a Viking Age expert from the University of Oslo, noted the graves poignantly reflect the combined essence of jewelry and tools typical of elite Viking women, stating, "Through textile work, women could accumulate wealth during the early Viking Age."
Interestingly, the graves, rich with artifacts, have not yielded any human remains due to the acidic soil prevalent in western Norway, which tends to decompose bone over time. Nevertheless, one of the graves challenges traditional burial conceptions, presenting objects such as coins atop what seems to be decaying organic material, hinting it may serve as a cenotaph—a memorial rather than style burial.
Another fascinating aspect of this grave included a stone, positioned where the mast of the boat might have been, resembling female genitalia. Diinhoff referred to this as the "vulva stone," speculating its possible symbolism relating to the woman being memorialized. "That the stone resembles [genitalia] is no coincidence. It’s so obvious," he remarked, indicating the intriguing intricacies of burial symbolism among Vikings.
Meanwhile, on December 20, 2024, another significant discovery was announced concerning Karnilshaugen, the largest man-made burial mound located near Gloppen, which stands approximately 23 feet tall and about 160 feet wide but was likely larger centuries ago. This monumental site, officially designated by the Norwegian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, confirms age-old suspicions by archaeologists concerning its human-made origins. The mound had remained unexplored, but recent technology including ground-penetration radar confirmed suspicions of its artificial construction, raising questions about the ancient community’s burial customs.
Christian Løchsen Rødsrud, senior advisor and archaeologist at the Norwegian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, confirmed the discovery reflects significant archaeological efforts. "At the winter and summer solstices, the sun shines on the mound through a crevice, highlighting its deliberate placement," he noted, hinting at potential ceremonial uses during these closely observed astronomical events.
Although archaeologists have confirmed Karnilshaugen’s artificial origin, much remains hidden within its depths. Rødsrud speculated, “Could it house a Viking ship like other burial mounds have been found to do?” but emphasized the prevailing practice of preserving such ancient sites undisturbed, recognizing their historical and cultural significance.
Both discoveries at Skumsnes and Karnilshaugen represent significant archaeological advancements, enabling historians to explore the social and economic standing of women during the Viking Age. The artifacts unearthed at Skumsnes offer unique insights about the status of women, namely their roles as heads of households, traders, and social influencers.
Meanwhile, with Karnilshaugen’s secrets retaining their mysteries for now, archaeologists acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding the ancient peoples who constructed it and their potential rituals connected to the natural phenomenology observed at the site. The complex layers of history behind these discoveries serve to enrich our comprehension of Norway's formidable archaeological legacy and the societies involved throughout the centuries.
