A rare toy dating back to the Viking Age was found during an archaeological dig in Iceland. Although researchers know the period to which the toy belongs, the animal the figure represents is still a matter of debate.
Archaeological research has been underway in the town of Fjörður in Seyðisfjordurr since 2020, Ragnheiður Traustadóttir, who is in charge of the excavation, told Fox News Digital in an email.
Many artifacts have emerged from this excavation, but the discovery of a toy like this was a rare find.
A rare ancient toy dating back to the Viking era has been discovered in Iceland. (Old)
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“Children were not very visible in the Viking Age, so we find it surprising to find a toy that can be associated with them,” says Traustadóttir. “Also, in Iceland we have very few finds related to children.”
The stone-carved toy is small, measuring about 5 centimeters long and 2.7 centimeters tall. There are several theories about what animal the toy is, with archaeologists leaning most toward a pig or a bear. Some believe it is an Icelandic dog. While further research will be conducted on the toy over the winter months, researchers may not get a definitive answer as to what animal it is.
“This winter we will examine the finds, including the animal, to see if we can identify it, although that may be open to debate,” Traustadóttir told Fox News Digital.
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Archaeologists were able to date the toy's creation based on where it was found and the material it was made of.
Many artifacts have been discovered in Fjörður, including over 100 gaming pieces. (Old)
“An animal carved from Palagonite tuff was found on the floor of the longhouse. The dating is around 940-1000 Viking Age,” Traustadóttir explained.
The stone material the toy is made of may have greatly contributed to its preservation. In Iceland, it is rare for objects made from organic materials such as wood to be preserved, Traustadóttir explained.
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This small, carefully carved ancient toy is just one of more than 100 game pieces that have been found during the excavation.
Many unique findings also emerged from the investigation of four tombs that were discovered.
“In one of the men's graves only his teeth remained, but he was buried on a boat together with a dog, a horse and grave goods,” Traustadóttir shared.
Among the ancient objects found in the tomb were beads, gaming pieces, a silver brooch, a silver ring and an axe.
What animal the ancient toy represents is still a matter of debate and further research is being conducted. (Ancient)
“The woman's bones were missing, but their position could be inferred,” Traustadóttir added. “On her chest were two oval bronze brooches, with 11 large, beautiful beads between them and a small round bronze brooch below. Remnants of clothing were preserved on the brooches. Between the woman's breasts were iron scissors wrapped in a cloth. On her right side was a small oak chest containing a whetstone and flints, and on her left side were a knife and an iron object that could be a key.”
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The excavation at Fjörður will continue for two more weeks.
