Image Credit: Raymond Sauvage, NTNU University Museum

Viking Grave Reveals Rare Ritual Practices

Archaeologists in Trøndelag County, Norway, have uncovered a remarkably well-preserved Viking Age grave containing the skeletal remains and jewelry of a woman buried around the 800s. The discovery began when metal detectorist Roy Søreng found an oval brooch — a typical element of Viking women’s dress — prompting a full investigation by NTNU University Museum and the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage.
Researchers believe the woman was likely a free, married woman of high standing, possibly the mistress of a farm. Her grave goods include two oval brooches from a suspender dress and a small ring buckle used to fasten the neckline of an undergarment.
But the most surprising feature was the placement of two scallop shells over the woman’s mouth, a ritual unknown in pre-Christian Norway. The shells were carefully positioned with the curved sides outward, partially covering the mouth. Archaeologists also found small bird bones along the grave, likely symbolic offerings. Their meaning remains a mystery.
Earlier this year, another exceptionally preserved skeleton — dating to the 700s — was found in the same field. The new grave appears to be from the next generation or two. Both finds were in danger of destruction due to plowing, but landowner Arve Innstrand allowed urgent rescue excavations.
The Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage funded a “security excavation,” enabling researchers to document the bones and grave goods before further damage occurred. Experts describe the find as culturally significant and unusually well-preserved.
NTNU researchers will now conduct detailed analyses, including studying the skeletal traits, dating the burial, and testing DNA to determine whether the woman was related to the earlier grave from the same site. The results may shed new light on family ties, burial customs, social status, and health in Viking Age Norway.

Published on: 09-12-2025

Edited by: Abdulmnam Samakie

Source: Phys.org