Archaeologists in Iceland have made a fascinating discovery that sheds light on the lives of Vikings: a small, carved stone figurine that may be a rare Viking Age toy. The artifact, dated to between A.D. 940 and 1000, was unearthed at the Fjörður excavation site in Seyðisfjörður, Iceland.
The figurine depicts a four-legged animal with a chipped ear, meticulously carved from local stone. While the exact species remains a mystery, most archaeologists on the team believe it represents a pig, a common domesticated animal used for meat during the Viking era. However, two team members saw a resemblance to a bear, despite the fact that bears are not native to Iceland. The presence of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) on the island since human settlement adds a layer of intrigue to this interpretation.
Social media, however, presented a different hypothesis. When images of the figurine were shared on Facebook, many users were convinced it depicted an Icelandic dog. Ragnheiður Traustadóttir, director of the Antikva archaeological team, who sees the figurine as a pig, expressed skepticism about the dog interpretation. She points out the discrepancy between the figurine’s face and the features of an Icelandic dog, citing her 14 years of experience with the breed.
The discovery of this potential Viking Age toy is significant because it provides a glimpse into the lives of children during this era, a period in history where children are often less visible in archaeological records.
The Fjörður excavation, launched in 2020, was initially intended to last just two years. However, the site has yielded such a wealth of historical treasures that it has been extended to its fifth summer. The project, situated near planned avalanche protection walls in Seyðisfjörður, has uncovered a remarkable cross-section of Icelandic history. In addition to the potential toy, archaeologists have unearthed a farm mound, mill, sheep shed, medieval remains, four Viking Age graves, a Viking longhouse with a weaving room, animal enclosures, and a farm midden. These findings span over a millennium, from the 18th to 13th centuries. The team has used layers of volcanic ash to meticulously date the various historical periods represented at the site.
The Fjörður excavation has yielded an unprecedented amount of artifacts, including nearly 4,000 objects cataloged so far. Among them are nearly 100 Viking game pieces from a board game called “hnefatafl” crafted from the same type of stone as the toy.
While the true identity of the animal depicted in the figurine may forever remain a mystery, Traustadóttir offered a poignant interpretation. She imagines a Viking, sitting in the darkness of a winter night, carving chess pieces and, in a moment of tenderness, crafting this small animal for a child. The excavation, nearing its conclusion, promises to reveal even more secrets about Iceland’s rich Viking history, leaving archaeologists with the task of unraveling the mysteries of thousands of artifacts.
