Three 9th-Century Tombs of Wealthy Viking Women Discovered on a Norwegian Farm – A "Small Treasure," Say Archaeologists

A Remarkable Discovery on the Norwegian Coast

Archaeologists have uncovered an extraordinary piece of Viking Age history at a farm in Skumsnes, Fitjar, along Norway’s western coast. Excavations have revealed three high-status women’s graves dating back to the early 9th century, with evidence suggesting that up to 20 burials may be present at the site.

Unlike many Viking Age graves, these burials were elaborately adorned, pointing to a community of significant wealth and influence.

The findings, which include precious jewelry, rare coins, and textile-making tools, provide a fascinating glimpse into the social structure, trade networks, and cultural practices of the time.

"A Small Treasure" for Researchers

“Many of the buried individuals were adorned with expensive jewelry. The discovery of such well-preserved artifacts in a burial site is remarkable,” said archaeologist Søren Diinhoff from the University Museum of Bergen. Diinhoff described the find as “a small treasure” for researchers studying Viking-era society.

The Three Viking Women and Their Unique Burials

The three women lived during the first half of the 9th century, at the dawn of the Viking Age. Given the farm's coastal location, it may have belonged to a local or regional king who provided safe harbor for passing ships—likely a lucrative enterprise.

“These vessels were offered shelter on behalf of the king, which may explain why the graves are richer than those typically found,” Diinhoff explained.

Each of the three burials, unearthed during excavations in the fall, exhibited distinct funerary customs.

The Tomb in the Stone Crevice

This grave was covered with stones, and the woman was buried within the natural contours of the rock. Her jewelry, which suggested connections beyond Norway, included oval brooches and other artifacts that may have originated from England or Ireland.

The Boat Grave

The most elaborate burial belonged to a high-status woman. She was laid to rest in a four-meter-long boat, with carefully arranged stones mimicking a ship's structure. Among the grave goods were silver coins—including one from the Hedeby settlement and others from the Carolingian dynasty—46 glass beads, and weaving tools such as a weaving sword and spindle whorl.

A significant artifact was a bronze key, symbolizing her role as the household’s leader. However, no human remains were found, raising the possibility that this grave was a cenotaph.

A large stone placed at the center of the boat grave symbolized a ship’s mast. When turned over, it revealed a shape resembling a vulva, which archaeologists believe was intentional—perhaps representing a woman who was meant to be buried there but never was.

This theory could explain why the grave contained artifacts without a corresponding skeleton. The discovery of the Hedeby coin is particularly noteworthy, as it was minted in the early 9th century in southern Denmark and highlights the Vikings’ vast trade networks.

The presence of additional Carolingian coins suggests connections to the Frankish Empire, emphasizing the region’s economic and political ties.

The Incomplete Burial

The third burial, still under excavation, has already yielded beads and fragments of silver jewelry, indicating another wealthy individual.

The Women’s Role in Viking Society

A necklace with 46 beads further underscores the burial’s international character. In major Viking trading hubs like Birka, Hedeby, Ribe, and Kaupang, mosaic glass beads from distant regions such as the Middle East and Europe were highly prized, showcasing the Vikings' extensive trade networks.

“Both women had ties beyond Norway. This is likely not a coincidence. Perhaps they were of foreign origin and married into the local community,” Diinhoff speculated.

The presence of weaving tools in the boat grave highlights the importance of textile production in Viking society. Finds such as a weaving sword, a brush, and wool shears suggest that these women were not only responsible for household duties but also played a crucial economic role, particularly in large-scale textile production.

Textiles—especially sailcloth—were highly valuable in the Viking Age, symbolizing both wealth and status.

A Burial Site with More to Reveal

Archaeologists have identified two additional graves and estimate that as many as 20 burials might exist at the site. Metal detectors have already signaled potential discoveries.

These graves reinforce the significant role Viking women played—not only as household leaders but also as key figures in production, trade, and community leadership. The findings at Skumsnes provide a rare and valuable window into the lives of high-status women in the Viking Age, shedding new light on their power, influence, and connections across the medieval world.