A Viking Age (800–1050 CE) stone figurine was lately unearthed, nonetheless, archaeologists have stumbled upon a wierd downside — no one can determine which animal it belongs to. Unearthed on the Fjörður excavation website in Seyðisfjörður, the figurine is dated between A.D. 940 and 1000. Carved from native stone, it depicts a four-legged animal with a chipped ear. Whereas most consultants lean in the direction of deciphering it as a pig, others argue it’d signify a bear and even an Icelandic canine.
A Advanced Thriller
The invention has sparked various opinions amongst historians and archaeologists. Ragnheiður Traustadóttir, director of the Antikva archaeological crew, leans in the direction of the pig concept, given the historic use of pigs by Vikings for meat. However, the presence of polar bears in Iceland’s historical past has led some consultants to counsel the carving could possibly be a bear.
Social media reactions have additionally proposed that the figurine could be an Icelandic canine after a Fb publish of the figurine was posted. Though Traustadóttir is sceptical, arguing that the facial options don’t match her information of the breed. A 3D render of the figurine was uploaded on-line on Sketchfab.
Uncovering Iceland’s Previous
The Fjörður excavation started in 2020 with the purpose of making ready for the development of avalanche safety partitions. What was anticipated to be a two-year undertaking has prolonged into its fifth 12 months as a result of in depth and vital findings. The location has revealed a treasure trove of Icelandic historical past, together with Viking recreation items and numerous medieval artefacts. The stratigraphy of the excavation has uncovered proof from completely different historic intervals, offering a complete view of Iceland’s previous.
Future Evaluation
Because the excavation nears completion, researchers are making ready to analyse the hundreds of artefacts uncovered. The enigmatic stone figurine, regardless of the uncertainty surrounding its id, presents a uncommon glimpse into Viking life and its cultural artefacts.
The continued debate over its true nature highlights the complexities of deciphering historic objects and continues to gas curiosity in Viking-era Iceland. The ultimate evaluation might but shed extra mild on this small however vital discovering.
