Mysterious Viking Women’s Tombs Filled with Extraordinary Artifacts Discovered in Norway Contain No Human Remains

At the Skumsnes farm, located on Norway’s west coast, metal detector enthusiasts discovered a coin and a brooch with textile remnants in this area last year. Now, archaeologists from the University of Bergen have confirmed that these objects come from a Viking cemetery dating to the first half of the 9th century. According to researchers, this site could contain around 20 graves.

Søren Diinhoff, an archaeologist at the University Museum of Bergen, describes the discovery as a “small treasure” due to the state of preservation and richness of the artifacts found. So far, three graves belonging to women who lived during the early Viking Age have been excavated.

These burials stand out for the quality and quantity of jewelry and tools found, reflecting the social and economic importance of these women.

Viking graves women norway — Once a beautiful piece of jewellery consisting of over 40 beads and 11 silver coins. The silver coins are Carolingian, dating from the first half of the 9th century. Credit: University Museum of Bergen

One of the most striking graves contains a necklace made of 46 glass beads and 11 silver coins. The coins, mostly Carolingian, come from the Frankish Empire, while a rare Hedeby coin from Denmark has been cataloged as the most significant find. According to Diinhoff, these women’s connection to foreign regions suggests possible trade or marital links.

During the 9th century, Skumsnes farm was a strategic location. Its position near the coast made it a safe haven for ships navigating the region, generating additional income for its owners. It is believed that the farm was under the control of a local or regional king and played an important role within the social structure of the time.

The burial of one of the women in a boat-shaped grave reinforces her elevated status. In addition to jewelry, this woman was buried with textile tools such as wool scissors, a spindle, and a weaving sword, indicating her responsibility for textile production on the farm.

This type of work was highly valued and reflected high social status. A bronze key was also found in her grave, a symbol of power and control within the household.

Despite the abundance of artifacts, none of the graves contained human remains, raising intriguing questions. According to Diinhoff, the acidic soil in this region of Norway may have dissolved the bones over time. However, archaeologists speculate that some of the graves might be cenotaphs, symbolic memorials without bodies.

A curious detail in the boat-shaped grave is a stone that appears to symbolize the identity of the buried woman. The stone, located at the center of the formation, has a shape reminiscent of a vulva, female genitalia. Researchers believe this detail is no coincidence but rather a tribute to the person represented in the burial.

Although the discovery at Skumsnes is extraordinary, archaeologists face challenges in preserving these sites. Many graves in Norway are located near cultivated lands and are vulnerable to deterioration or accidental destruction.

Diinhoff emphasizes the importance of property owners reporting potential finds, as the government covers the costs of research.

The artifacts from Skumsnes offer a window into the lives of elite women during the Viking Age. Beyond the jewelry, the findings highlight the crucial role of women in the textile economy, a sector that allowed many to accumulate wealth and influence.