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Discover Viking Artifacts Uncovered by Melting Ice

Stephanie Cherry07 mins

Artifacts from the Lendbreen Ice Patch

The Lendbreen ice patch in Norway has revealed a treasure trove of artifacts, providing essential insights into the Viking era and beyond. These discoveries, ranging from the 5th to the 18th century, illustrate the daily lives and activities of individuals who traversed this historic mountain pass.

Significant Finds

Among the most important findings are:

  • Birch Bark Container (400 AD): A small birch bark container was recovered, exemplifying craftsmanship from the early Viking period.
  • Roman Iron Age Tunic (300 AD): This remarkably preserved tunic highlights the clothing style of the time.
  • Wooden Bit (11th Century): Used to prevent young goats from nursing, this artifact sheds light on agricultural practices.
  • Horseshoe (11th – 13th Century): Found with part of the hoof star still attached, it indicates the importance of horses in travel and trade.
  • Packhorse Skull (1700 AD): Evidence of the difficulties faced by pack animals along the pass.

Environmental Context

Over recent years, the ice patch has significantly melted, revealing these artifacts. The rapid climate changes have brought attention to this archaeological site, emphasizing the importance of studying and preserving these finds.

Research Endeavors

Since 2011, researchers have braved inclement weather and rugged terrain to uncover these pieces of history. Their dedication allows us to gain invaluable knowledge about the Viking Age and the interactions between humans and their environment.

Additional Notable Artifacts

More fascinating artifacts include:

  • Viking Age Mitten (9th Century): Made from various woven fabrics.
  • Wooden Distaff (800 AD): An essential tool for wool spinning, demonstrating textile production techniques.
  • Horse Snowshoe (2019): An intriguing find that highlights adaptations for travel in snowy conditions.
  • Shoe (10th Century): Crafted from animal hide, designed for better grip on snow.
  • Tinderbox (2019): A remarkably complete artifact that showcases everyday life.
  • Tong (5th Century): Used for securing sled loads, marking the first discovery made in this area.
  • Wooden Whisk (1100 AD): Possibly served as a multi-tool for cooking and camping.

Conclusion

The artifacts uncovered at the Lendbreen ice patch provide a glimpse not only into the Viking culture but also into the natural history surrounding it. As climate change continues to affect archaeological sites worldwide, ongoing research in this area becomes increasingly crucial for our understanding of history.

Visual Gallery

This Roman Iron Age tunic as it was found, crumpled up and lying in a depression and dated to 300 AD. It's a remarkably complete garment.
This Roman Iron Age tunic as it was found, crumpled up and lying in a depression and dated to 300 AD. It’s a remarkably complete garment.
This wooden bit was once used for goat kids and lambs to prevent them from reaching their mothers' milk, as the milk was processed for human consumption. It was dated to the 11th century AD.
This wooden bit was once used for goat kids and lambs to prevent them from reaching their mothers’ milk, as the milk was processed for human consumption. It was dated to the 11th century AD.
This horseshoe was recovered along the pass, including a small part of the hoof star still attached to the other side. The shape is similar to those made between the 11th and 13th century AD.
This horseshoe was recovered along the pass, including a small part of the hoof star still attached to the other side. The shape is similar to those made between the 11th and 13th century AD.
Researcher Elling Utvik Wammer holds the skull of an unlucky packhorse that did not survive its journey. The skull was dated to 1700 AD, making it the most recent item found at the site.
Researcher Elling Utvik Wammer holds the skull of an unlucky packhorse that did not survive its journey. The skull was dated to 1700 AD, making it the most recent item found at the site.
Researcher Lars Pilø is pictured by a cairn, which was used to mark the route of the mountain pass.
Researcher Lars Pilø is pictured by a cairn, which was used to mark the route of the mountain pass.
The upper part of the Lendbreen ice patch can be seen after the big melt in 2019. The surface of the ice is covered with horse dung left on the pass when it was originally used.
The upper part of the Lendbreen ice patch can be seen after the big melt in 2019. The surface of the ice is covered with horse dung left on the pass when it was originally used.
This Viking Age mitten was made from different pieces of woven fabric and dated to the 9th century AD.
This Viking Age mitten was made from different pieces of woven fabric and dated to the 9th century AD.
This wooden distaff made from birch was used to help spin wool by hand and it was radiocarbon-dated to 800 AD.
This wooden distaff made from birch was used to help spin wool by hand and it was radiocarbon-dated to 800 AD.
Although it was just found in 2019 and hasn't been dated yet, researchers were intrigued by this horse snowshoe found at the site.
Although it was just found in 2019 and hasn’t been dated yet, researchers were intrigued by this horse snowshoe found at the site.
The Lendbreen ice patch has melted back drastically. The picture above shows Lendbreen during the big melt in 2006, the picture below is from 2018.
The Lendbreen ice patch has melted back drastically. The picture above shows Lendbreen during the big melt in 2006, the picture below is from 2018.
Researchers have endured bad weather and challenging conditions and terrain since they began studying the pass in 2011.
Researchers have endured bad weather and challenging conditions and terrain since they began studying the pass in 2011.
This shoe, dated to the 10th century AD, was made from animal hide. Hair on the outside of the shoe gave it better grip on the snow.
This shoe, dated to the 10th century AD, was made from animal hide. Hair on the outside of the shoe gave it better grip on the snow.
This remarkably complete tinderbox was found in 2019 and hasn't been dated yet.
This remarkably complete tinderbox was found in 2019 and hasn’t been dated yet.
This tong, or plier, was used to secure loads on sleds. It was the first object found and dated to the 5th century AD.
This tong, or plier, was used to secure loads on sleds. It was the first object found and dated to the 5th century AD.
This wooden whisk was dated to 1100 AD and likely doubled as a tent peg.
This wooden whisk was dated to 1100 AD and likely doubled as a tent peg.


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