An archaeological dig in Iceland has uncovered a rare Viking Age toy, and although researchers know what period it dates to, there's still debate over which animal the figurine represents.
Archaeological research has been taking place in the Fjörður town of Seyðisfjörður since 2020, excavation director Ragnheidur Traustadóttir told Fox News Digital.
Many artifacts were uncovered during the excavation, but the discovery of a toy like this was unusual.
A rare ancient toy from the Viking era has been discovered in Iceland. (Antiqva)
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“I think it's great to find toys that relate to children, because we don't see a lot of children in the Viking era,” Traustadottir said, “and there are very few child-related finds in Iceland.”
The carved stone toy is small, about 5cm long and 2.7cm tall. There are several theories about what kind of animal the toy is, with archaeologists thinking it is a pig or a bear. Others think it is an Icelandic dog. Further research on the toy will be done over the winter, but researchers may never get a definitive answer as to what animal it is.
“We will be examining the finds this winter, including the animals, to see if we can identify them, but that may remain controversial,” Traustadottir told Fox News Digital.
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Archaeologists were able to date the toy based on where it was found and the materials it was made from.
Many artefacts have been found in Fjörður, including over 100 game pieces. (Antiqva)
“Found on the floor of the longhouse are animal carvings made from paragonite tuff and date to the Viking period, around 940 to 1000,” Traustadottir explained.
The fact that the toy was made from stone may have played a major role in its preservation — it's rare for objects made from organic materials such as wood to be preserved in Iceland, Trausdottir said.
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This small, carefully carved ancient toy was just one of over 100 game toys discovered during the excavations.
Examination of the four excavated tombs also yielded many unique discoveries.
“One of the men's graves only had teeth remaining, but he was buried in a boat along with a dog, a horse and grave goods,” Traustadottir said.
Among the ancient items found in the tomb were beads, gaming pieces, a silver brooch, a silver ring and an axe.
The exact animal this ancient toy represents is still under debate and further research is being conducted. (Antiqva)
“The woman's bones were missing, but we could infer their location,” Traustadottir added. “On her chest were two oval bronze brooches, with 11 large beautiful beads placed between them, and underneath them a small round bronze brooch. The brooches contained remains of clothing. Between the woman's breasts were a pair of iron scissors wrapped in cloth. To the right was a small oak box containing a grindstone and a flint, and on the left were iron objects that appeared to be a knife and a key.”
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Excavation in Fjörður is due to continue for another two weeks.
