A Viking Age (800–1050 CE) stone figurine was just lately unearthed, nonetheless, archaeologists have stumbled upon an odd downside — no person can establish which animal it belongs to. Unearthed on the Fjörður excavation web site 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 specialists lean in direction of deciphering it as a pig, others argue it’d symbolize a bear and even an Icelandic canine.
A Complicated Thriller
The invention has sparked numerous opinions amongst historians and archaeologists. Ragnheiður Traustadóttir, director of the Antikva archaeological staff, leans in direction of the pig principle, given the historic use of pigs by Vikings for meat. Nonetheless, the presence of polar bears in Iceland’s historical past has led some specialists to recommend the carving may very well be a bear.
Social media reactions have additionally proposed that the figurine is perhaps 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 data 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 getting ready for the development of avalanche safety partitions. What was anticipated to be a two-year undertaking has prolonged into its fifth yr because of the intensive and important findings. The positioning has revealed a treasure trove of Icelandic historical past, together with Viking sport items and varied medieval artefacts. The stratigraphy of the excavation has uncovered proof from totally different historic durations, offering a complete view of Iceland’s previous.
Future Evaluation
Because the excavation nears completion, researchers are getting ready to analyse the hundreds of artefacts uncovered. The enigmatic stone figurine, regardless of the uncertainty surrounding its id, affords a uncommon glimpse into Viking life and its cultural artefacts.
The continued debate over its true nature highlights the complexities of deciphering historical objects and continues to gasoline curiosity in Viking-era Iceland. The ultimate evaluation might but shed extra gentle on this small however important discovering.
