Strange Viking Age burial with shells covering woman’s mouth leaves archaeologists perplexed
The Viking Age burial that has baffled archaeologists
- A metal detectorist in Norway uncovered a strange Viking Age grave featuring a skeleton with scallop shells placed over its mouth.
- Archaeologists from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology believe the remains belong to a “free and probably married woman” from the 9th century.
- The discovery of scallop shells covering the deceased's mouth is unprecedented in pre-Christian Norwegian graves, leaving researchers puzzled about its symbolism.
- The grave also contained typical Viking Age costume jewellery, including oval brooches and a ring buckle, alongside some bird bones.
- Scientists intend to conduct further examinations, DNA analysis, and dating of the remains to understand more about the woman and her potential kinship to an earlier nearby find.