Near the Nordre Kjølen farm in Solør, a Viking woman's grave from the second half of the 10th century AD was discovered. The woman in this grave was a warrior from an aristocratic family. She was buried with various weapons, including a sword, axe, arrows, bow, spear, and shield. With this blog, we aim to highlight the diversity of her life. Therefore, we have compiled a fitting 10th-century outfit that she might have worn outside of battle.
Curious about the reconstruction of the actual grave? Check it out here: Link to the reconstruction
The young lady from Solør passed away at the age of 18-19 and found her final resting place in a distinctive location, clearly marked as her grave. Traditionally, when weapons are discovered in a grave, it is assumed to be the burial site of a man. Additionally, bodily remains are often missing in such graves, making it difficult to determine gender through DNA analyses. For a long time, it was believed that the weapons in her grave had a ceremonial significance. However, the wound on her forehead is an indispensable indicator of the impact of an enemy axe that even caused damage to her skull. From this, we deduce that this Viking woman did not use her weapons solely for ceremonial purposes.
For practical reasons, women probably chose to fight in men's clothing instead of women's clothing. According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, Æthelflæd of the English kingdom of Mercia wore men's clothing during the war against the Vikings. However, outside of battles, this young woman wore noble women's clothing as depicted on the tapestry found in the Oseberg ship burial.
No traces of objects traditionally buried with women were found in Nordre Kjølen. This blog, therefore, presents an artistic impression.
Underdress
The underdress was the foundation of Ingibjorg's clothing and, essentially, a long tunic. She also slept in this garment.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/dress-feme-natural.html
Dress
Ingibjorg is wearing an elaborate dress with embroidery. There is little evidence of Viking embroidery found, and clothing was likely adorned with gold and silver thread.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/viking-dress-lagertha-natural-blue.html
Hangeroc
Ingibjorg is wearing a red hangerok, which must have been an enormous status symbol. Textiles could be dyed red with madder, a plant that did not grow in Scandinavia. The hangerok is adorned with an embroidered border to emphasize her wealth.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/hangeroc-svanhild-red.html?id=218896018
Viking Shoes
Ingibjorg is wearing Viking shoes based on finds from the Oseberg ship burial.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/viking-boots-oseberg.html
Belt
The belt held the clothing together and was used to hang various practical items.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/9th-century-viking-belt.html
Shield Brooches + Accessories
The shield brooch or turtle brooch was used to pin the shoulder straps of the hangerok to the fabric. Approximately half of the women's graves from Birka contained shield brooches, indicating that they might have been worn only by certain wealthier classes or free women (women with full legal personality).
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/turtle-brooch-dublin-silvered.html
Various practical items and jewelry could be hung from the shield brooches using small hooks.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/closed-bronze-ring-l.html
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/viking-jewelry-hook-double-98851848.html
Ingibjorg used the pick and nail cleaner for personal hygiene. She may have also used an ear spoon, similar to the modern cotton swab.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/pick-birka.html
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/viking-nail-cleaner-birka-grave-660.html
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/birka-ears-poon-grave-523.html
A needle case was also indispensable for a wealthy Viking woman. Although Ingibjorg was skilled in the art of war, she likely mastered traditional women's crafts such as sewing, embroidery, and weaving.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/needle-box-birka-grave-515.html
Knife
A knife was indispensable in the daily life of every Viking. Ingibjorg would have carried one with her at all times.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/gotland-vikingknife.html
Scarf
Various depictions of Viking women show short mantles or scarves. These were likely made of wool and could be fastened at the throat with a brooch.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/roman-paenula-uller.html
Brooch
The so-called ring fibula was developed by the Celts in the late Roman period. The design was further developed by the Vikings of the Irish Sea region into the thistle brooch or thistle fibula, named after the ends that resemble the globe of the thistle. These brooches were made of silver and were absolute status symbols, aligning with Ingibjorg's significant aristocratic status. The original of this brooch dates back to the mid-10th century.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.co.uk/viking-thistle-fibula-large-silvered.html