The age-old bond between humans and dogs transcends time, and a remarkable 10th-century Viking woman dog burial in Norway offers poignant evidence. Archaeologists uncovered a boat grave on Senja island, revealing an elite Viking woman laid to rest with her canine companion, underscoreding the deep connections people shared with their animals even 1,100 years ago.
The Discovery on Senja Island
The journey to this significant find began two years prior when a metal detectorist stumbled upon brooches and bone fragments just 7.9 inches (20 centimeters) beneath the soil. Alerted to a potential Viking woman’s burial, the Arctic University Museum of Norway secured permission to investigate. The excavation commenced when the landowner planned a garage expansion, leading to the revelation. “After the upper layer of soil was removed, it became clear that this was a boat grave,” the museum shared in a social media post. The decayed wood outline of a 17.7-foot-long (5.4-meter) boat emerged, with the initial brooch discovery site near its center.
A Woman of High Standing and Her Loyal Companion
Within the vessel, archaeologists found the remains of a Viking-era woman and, notably, a dog carefully placed at her feet. “It appears to have been placed with real care,” Anja Roth Niemi, a museum archaeologist, told Science Norway. This careful placement, alongside grave goods like bone or amber beads, a pendant, and ornate oval brooches with silver thread, suggests the woman held an elite status. These brooches also helped date the grave to approximately 900 to 950 CE and typically signify a female burial in Viking culture, though bone analysis will offer final confirmation. The presence of the dog reinforces the idea that canines were cherished companions. “There are stories of prominent people doing everything in their power when their dog became ill,” Niemi added, highlighting the profound human-animal bonds of the era.
Archaeological site showing remains from a Viking woman's boat grave on Senja Island, Norway.
Unveiling Viking Life and Traditions
“Only the elite would receive a burial like this,” Niemi emphasized to Science Norway. Beyond the personal items and her canine friend, the team also uncovered agricultural tools and textile instruments. The latter are particularly associated with Viking women, further supporting the initial assessment of the individual’s identity. Further detailed analyses are planned for the remains and artifacts, which are now in Tromsø for examination under controlled laboratory conditions. These studies aim to confirm the individual’s sex, age, height, diet, and overall health, providing deeper insights into Viking burial customs and daily life. The archaeologists are hopeful for more discoveries, as another brooch was found near the grave site, hinting at the possibility of uncovering additional burials in the vicinity.
Archaeologists carefully excavating the 10th-century Viking boat grave site on Senja, Norway.
The Senja boat grave is a significant archaeological find, offering a rare glimpse into the customs and social structures of 10th-century Viking society. It particularly underscores the enduring and cherished relationship between humans and their dogs. As research continues, the hope remains that this Viking woman and her devoted companion will stay together, preserving their ancient bond for posterity.
