Icelandic archaeologists discover ancient plaything, debate over figurine's animal classification.

During an archaeological excavation in Iceland, a rare toy dating back to the Viking Age was discovered. Despite the known time period of the toy, the animal represented by the figure remains uncertain among researchers.

Since 2020, archaeological research has been taking place in Fjörður, Seyðisfjordurr, led by Ragnheiður Traustadóttir, who shared this information with Planet Chronicle Digital via email.

Although many artifacts have been unearthed during this excavation, the discovery of a toy like this is considered a rare find.

"Although children were not very visible during the Viking Age, it's astonishing to discover a toy linked to them," Traustadóttir stated. "Furthermore, we have limited findings in Iceland related to children."

The toy animal carved from stone is small, measuring approximately 5 centimeters in length and 2.7 centimeters in height. Several theories have been proposed about the toy animal, with archaeologists favoring a pig or bear. Some believe it's an Icelandic dog. Despite further research during the winter months, researchers may not be able to determine the animal with certainty.

Traustadóttir informed Planet Chronicle Digital that this winter, we will analyze the discoveries, including the animal, to determine if we can identify it, although it may still be a topic of debate.

By examining the location and materials used to construct the toy, archaeologists were able to determine its creation date.

A carved animal made from Palagonite tuff was discovered in the floor of a longhouse, dating back to the Viking Age around 940-1000, as explained by Traustadóttir.

The preservation of the toy could be largely due to its stone material, according to Traustadóttir.

Over 100 gaming pieces, including a small, carefully carved ancient toy, have been discovered during excavation.

Four uncovered graves yielded many unique finds during the investigation.

Traustadóttir shared that in one of the male graves, only the teeth remained, but he was buried with a boat, dog, horse, and grave goods.

In the grave, beads, gaming pieces, a silver brooch, a silver ring, and an ax were discovered among the ancient items.

"Traustadóttir stated that although the woman's bones had disappeared, her position could be determined. On her chest were two oval bronze brooches with 11 large beautiful beads in between and a small round bronze brooch below. Remnants of clothing were preserved on the brooches. Between the woman's breasts were iron shears wrapped in a cloth. On her right side was a small oak chest containing a whetstone and flints, and on her left side was a knife and an iron object that could be a key."

Excavation of Fjörður will continue for two more weeks.