Search for lost earring, discover 1,200-year-old Viking artifacts

In late September, when the Aasvik family was searching for a lost gold earring in their backyard in Jomfruland, Norway, using a metal detector, they accidentally discovered Viking artefacts from the 9th century. This is the first documented Viking find on the island, and it appears to be a unique female burial.

According to the Heritage Commission and Westfold and Telemark District Council, they discovered a bowl-shaped buckle and another object which archaeologists believe may have come from a Viking burial 1,200 years ago. It could be a woman's grave lying under an oak tree in the garden of the Aasvik family. The artefacts are thought to date from around 800 AD.

Jomfruland is a small and land-poor island off the southern coast of Norway, about 7.5 by 1 kilometre. It has a permanent population of 75 and many of the houses are occupied by tourists on a seasonal basis. Archaeologists have previously had information that there must have been several earlier settlements on the island, but have only obtained concrete evidence from the Middle Ages. This discovery is thought to be the first from the Viking period. Experts say the pin dates from between 780 and 850.

Archaeologist Vibeke Liao from Westfold believes that this is an incredible and exciting discovery: "As far as I know, this is the first secure find we have from the time of the Vikings in Jomfruland," she told NRK Vestflogtelemark, adding that the 1,200-year-old artifacts are in good condition. Lia believes there may be more historical artifacts at the site, but she says further digging is inappropriate: "If it's a grave, it's protected. Rather, we will try to find out more in other ways," she added.

In Norway, any finds from before 1537 and coins from before 1650 are considered state property. The family therefore immediately contacted local authorities to report their find. The honest approach was welcomed by the Vestfold and Telemark County Heritage Council: "Congratulations to the family who have found the first secure find from the Vikings period in Jomfruland," plus public praise for the family members on their official Facebook profile.

Roman Nemec

Sources: bbc.com, globalnews.ca, arkeonews,net

In a shallow hole under a tree lay 1,200-year-old artifacts

The discovery was made under a tree in a garden - perhaps this is where a Viking woman's grave is

Viking objects may have come from a female grave

aasvik family