Grave Bj 581: The Viking Warrior that was a Woman

Grave Bj 581: The Viking Warrior that was a Woman

The third presentation in the AIA/SunWatch Winter 2019 Lecture Series: She Blinded Me with Science presented by Dr. Charlote Hedenstierna-Jonson, the Archaeological Institute of America’s Forsyth Lecturer, University of Uppsala, Sweden

Recent DNA analysis of a Viking-age burial interpreted as that of a warrior excavated in Birka, Sweden in 1878 determined that the remains were not male as had always been assumed, but female. The burial was marked by a large boulder on a highly visible promontory. Within the underground wooden burial chamber the deceased was dressed in garments with silk and silver thread decorations, propped up in a seated position, surrounded by weapons, and framed by shields at the head and foot of the chamber. Gaming pieces were found in the lap of the deceased along with the possible remains of an iron-fitted gaming board alongside the body. Outside the burial chamber two horses bridled for riding were placed on a platform.

DNA analysis proved not only that the remains were female, but also that she was not local to the region, instead from southern Scandinavia. The archaeology shows a high-status individual suggesting close connections to the eastern part of the Viking World, but is the standing interpretation of the grave as that of a high-status warrior still valid?

Thanks to the Archaeological Institute of America and the generosity of an anonymous donor, admission to the 2019 She Blinded Me with Science series is free and open to the public. Regular admission fees apply for guests who wish to visit the museum and village before or after each presentation. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pastries will be provided; guests are welcome to bring a beverage.

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Sunwatch Indian Village

Grave Bj 581: The Viking Warrior that was a Woman is taking place at Sunwatch Indian Village, which is located at 2301 West River Road in Dayton. Sunwatch Indian Village - SunWatch is a 13th century American Indian village located along the Great Miami River in Dayton, OH. Archaeological excavations from 1971-1988 revealed a planned, stockaded Fort Ancient period settlement with astronomical alignments.