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An intriguing woman’s grave has been discovered in Bjugn, in Trøndelag County, Norway.
Researchers were alerted to the burial by a metal-detectorist who came across an oval brooch of a style typical for the Viking Age and the centuries before. On excavating the site, archaeologists from NTNU University Museum and Trøndelag County Council discovered the grave of a woman, buried with clothing and jewellery typical of the AD 800s, including another oval brooch of the same style, which would have been used to fasten the straps of an apron or overdress, as well as a small ring buckle intended to close a petticoat or underdress. The style of these items suggests that the deceased was a free woman, probably married, perhaps the mistress of a farm.
Interestingly, the grave also contained several small bird bones, believed to be wing bones, and, most unusually, two large scallop shells. These shells had been placed on top of the woman’s mouth, with the curved edges facing out, covering most of her jaw like a kind of protective mask. This practice is not known from any other pre-Christian graves in Norway. It is assumed that both the bird bones and the scallops had some kind of symbolic significance, but it remains uncertain what this might have been.
Another well-preserved skeleton was found in the same field earlier in 2025, dating to the AD 700s. DNA and other analysis is under way to find out more about both of these individuals and any possible relationship between them. It is hoped that this may offer insight into why they were buried in the same location, several generations apart.
Text: Amy Brunskill / Image: Stockholm County Administrative Board
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