In Viking graves, a 1200-year-old treasure and an unusual Christian artifact are discovered by metal detectorists.

Thanks to a pair of metal detectorists, archaeologists recently uncovered remarkable artifacts from Viking graves in Norway.

An archaeologist from the University Museum of Bergen, Søren Diinhoff, spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital about the discovery of Viking graves at Skumsnes farm in Fitjar, located in southwestern Norway, which was found in autumn 2023. The initial excavation of the site was completed towards the end of last year.

The Bjørgvin Detector Club discovered the graves, which were then excavated by archaeologists dating back to between 800 and 850 A.D.

According to Diinhoff, the two graves, filled with coins, jewelry, and other treasures, belonged to wealthy women. In the first grave, excavators discovered "significant grave goods" in the form of "fragments of jewelry."

The first grave contained fragments of two gilded oval brooches, also known as tortoise brooches, of Norse origin, as well as fragments of a metal cauldron/dish made in southern England or Ireland with enamel inlay and animal-shaped handles.

A book clasp, which the Vikings repurposed as a buckle or brooch pin, was one of the most intriguing artifacts discovered. According to Diinhoff, it was likely taken from a Christian monastery on the Britannic Isles prior to the ninth century.

"The expert stated that the needle on the back of the clasps could be used as brooches. It is believed that the clasp in the first grave may have originated from a Bible in England or Ireland, which was later ripped off and brought back to Norway, eventually becoming a woman's brooch."

The most fragments were found in the first grave because the site was likely plundered not long after the burial, according to Diinhoff.

The first grave may have been opened in the Viking age, as plundering graves was common during that time, either to steal valuable items or to dishonor the dead, according to him.

"Diinhoff described the finds as being spread out in fragments around and on top of the grave. The jewelry was shattered into pieces, but the destruction was not due to erosion. The fractured surfaces revealed that the artifacts had been intentionally destroyed and most likely when the grave was reopened."

The true treasure was discovered in the second burial site, containing valuable items such as textile production tools, fine jewelry, and coins.

"The report suggests that the woman buried with these tools had textile production skills, but the tools also indicate that she was the leader of the farm's textile production. The bronze key found in the grave symbolizes her central position as the carrier of the house key and leader of the farm household. Similarly, a frying pan found in the grave likely represents her role as a household leader."

"The research report stated that a pearl necklace was discovered near the brooches, consisting of 46 glass beads of European and Scandinavian origin, with 11 silver coins placed between the pearls."

Between 832 and 840 A.D., a single coin was minted in Jutland, while the rest were Frankish and produced under the rule of Louis the Pious, the son of Charlemagne. Louis passed away in 840 A.D.

Diinhoff stated that while trade between the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings was frequent, not all exchanges were entirely voluntary. He believes that the coins in the second grave were traded, but the book clasp was taken during a raid.

Archaeologists fully excavated two women's graves and analyzed a third one that was not fully excavated but contained a gilded brooch and 25 glass beads. Historians also believe that the decedents may have been part of the same Viking family.

At the site, there is a sense of urgency to excavate other graves, with at least 20 graves to be found.

"The Viking expert stated that they fear the graves will be destroyed in time due to the many ways they can be ruined. However, they hope to excavate a few graves every year."

Diinhoff also expressed gratitude to the metal detectorists who found the site.

"The archaeologist stated that if we had not discovered the site initially, we would not have been aware of its existence. Since the graves were located just beneath the grass, they were highly exposed and would have eventually been lost. However, with the discovery of this small gravefield, we now have the opportunity to excavate it."