Archaeological digs often unravel the mysteries of the past, and recent activities in Iceland are no exception. The Vinland Sagas, detailing the Viking exploration of the “New World,” prominently feature Gudrid Thorbjarnsdóttir, a renowned female explorer. The Saga of Erik the Red notes that Gudrid eventually settled at Reynistaður after her voyages across Greenland and beyond.
Discoveries at the Field School
Two separate excavation units were in progress, with one focusing on a medieval midden. This site yielded an array of artifacts, including numerous lamb bones, indicative of the wealth of its former inhabitants. Other items such as fabric, a knife, and a shoe were also unearthed.
Meanwhile, a team of three, including myself, concentrated on a burial site dating back to Iceland’s “Landnám” or “land taking” settlement era. As we meticulously examined each layer, we encountered a vertebra and several smaller bones beneath a medieval wall adjacent to a burial mound. This unsettling find suggests that grave robbers may have desecrated the site long after the initial burial.
The burial itself revealed a jarring discovery: a large stone had been placed in the mouth of the deceased, a practice often associated with preventing the dead from rising to haunt the living. These remains are now headed to the National Museum of Iceland for further analysis.
Academic Pursuits at UVA
Q. What have you been working on at UVA?
A. My studies have been centered on the Vikings and northern Europe. I’m thrilled to be part of the distinguished majors program within the medieval studies department, which is among the largest in North America, a fact not widely known. The department boasts experts in various aspects of the medieval world.
For my project, I plan to explore topics related to Irish women, though I have yet to finalize my specific focus.
I’ve recently submitted my work to UVA’s medieval journal, Quill and Quire. My paper, titled “Remember as long as you live … that a woman has struck you: Feminine Rage and Revenge in the Viking World,” delves into how Norse women manifested anger and retribution, drawing from historical sagas and real-life narratives.
Inspiration and Future Plans
Q. What inspires your work?
A. My experience as an archaeologist has highlighted the fragility of historical narratives and the importance of preservation. The passing of my uncle Ned, a dear friend, made me realize that without documentation, his stories would vanish. This realization has fueled my commitment to preserving historical tales.
Q. What do you have planned for your final year at UVA?
A. I’m developing an oral history initiative called the Lore Project, which gathers personal anecdotes and wisdom from those who have faced adversity. Additionally, I’ve founded an organization named You’re Not Alone to support survivors of sexual assault. In partnership with Take Back the Night, we aim to enhance community support for survivors. I’m dedicated to being a supportive, nonjudgmental presence for anyone in need. My door is always open for those seeking peer support or interested in archaeology, and I’m available in Lawn Room 39.
Read More Here
Comments are closed.