Cronk Mooar Viking Burial Grave Goods

Date made: Viking: 800-1265

Description: Although the only preserved remains of the person buried here were some teeth (the rest of the body was indicated only as a powdery white material) it is thought that this was the burial of a male from the Viking Age, due to the grave goods.

Over one thousand years ago, a rectangular pit was dug into the ground surface. The pit was either then lined with oak, or had an oak coffin lowered in. The Viking was placed in, fully clothed, a decorated ring-headed pin held his woollen cloak togther and he was buried with a knife and a broken sword. A spear too long for the wooden box had been laid on top, along with a shield.

Curiously, the remains contained parts of blow-fly larvae. It has been suggested that this indicates that the body had lain in state for a time prior to burial.

The burial was covered by an eleven metre diameter by three metre high earth mound.

The ground surface beneath the mound had traces of plough-marks, most likely dating to the Viking Age. It is possible that the Viking was buried on the land that he cultivated.

See 1966-0374/0001 - /00012 for associated finds

Gerhard Bersu was an eminent archaeologist and a wartime internee. He was encouraged to lead excavations of many of the Island's most prominent archaeological sites.

Materials: copper alloy, iron, wood, wool

Date found: October 1945

Collection: Archaeology Collection

ID number: 1966-0374

Comments

Name*:

Comment*:

Email: Optional, not displayed

Manx National Heritage (MNH) will always put you in control of the information we send you. Read our privacy policy