A family living on the island of Jomfruland just off the southeast coast of Norway recently made a most notable historical discovery. While searching for a lost golden earring with a metal detector in their garden, the Aasvik family dug up two fascinating artifacts that have been dated to the eighth or ninth century, which places them squarely in Scandinavia’s most famous historical period, the Viking Age .
A First for Jomfruland: Decorative Viking Artifacts Unearthed on Island
The artifacts were two decorative pieces that at one time would have been worn on someone’s clothing. The largest of these items was an oval-shaped metal belt-buckle, while the second piece was a small circular object that may have been a belt buckle, medallion or pendant.
Each of the items unearthed on Jomfruland was somewhat rusted and corroded on the surface, as might be expected of metal objects that had been buried in the moist ground for more than 1,000 years. But the carved features on the surface are still visible and overall the two pieces are in remarkably good condition.
While archaeologists had long believed the tiny island was already settled more than 1,000 years ago, this is in fact the first time artifacts from the Viking Age have ever been recovered on Jomfruland.
Experts believe that the belt buckle encountered on Jomfruland dates back to between 780 and 850. ( Vibeke Lia Vestfold and Telemark County Municipality )
Metal Detectorists Uncovering Historical Treasures on Norwegian Islands
The…
