Mysterious 10th Century Viking Toy Unearthed in Iceland, Sparks Bewilderment and Debates

The stone 10th century Viking toy from Iceland could be a bear, a pig, a dog or a different creature. Photo: Antikva/Smithsonian Magazine

In Iceland, a fascinating archaeological discovery has sparked a lively debate among experts over a small, ancient stone figurine believed to be a toy from the Viking era.

This rare artifact, unearthed during excavations at the Fjordur farm site in Seydisfjordur, has presented a unique challenge to researchers: determining whether it depicts a bear, a pig, a dog, or some other creature.

The site, which has been under excavation since 2020, is situated near Iceland’s storied eastern fjords and has been a prolific source of historical findings, as reported by Erik Pomrenke of the Iceland Review, cited by The Smithsonian Magazine.

The toy, measuring 5 centimeters in length and 2.7 centimeters in height, is crafted from yellow-brown palagonite tuff—a type of volcanic rock.

It stands out not only for its craftsmanship but also for its preservation, maintaining its form despite a slight chip on one ear.

The figurine stands upright on all fours, adding to the mystery of its animal likeness.

According to a statement from the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU), toys like this are rare but provide invaluable insights into the lives of children in the Viking Age—a period often underrepresented in archaeological finds.

Ragnheidur Traustadóttir, the excavation manager, told Live Science’s Margherita Bassi, “Children are not so visible in the Viking Age, so this is an amazing find.”

Debate among the research team is ongoing, with interpretations of the figurine ranging widely. While many argue it resembles a pig—an animal commonly raised by Norse settlers in Iceland—others suggest it might be a bear, referencing the historical sightings of around 600 polar bears in Iceland from the time of the Norse settlement to the present.

Another theory posits that the figurine could represent an ancestor of the Icelandic sheepdog, a breed descended from dogs brought to Iceland by Viking settlers.

Adding to the debate, Traustadóttir expressed her perspective in an interview with Austurfrétt’s Gunnar Gunnarsson, translated by Iceland Review: “When you hold the object, it doesn’t seem like a dog.”

The Fjordur farm site’s archaeological significance continues to grow, with the excavation now in its fifth season—well beyond the initially planned two years—due to its fruitful yields.

To date, the team has unearthed a longhouse, animal enclosures, spinning wheels for weaving, beads, lamps, pots, coins, and a myriad of other artifacts, totaling up to 4,000 items.

Traustadóttir highlighted the site’s unparalleled contribution to Iceland’s archaeological record, telling Live Science, “There’s no other site in Iceland that has so many finds.”

As winter approaches, the team plans to closely examine the toy along with other artifacts.

Traustadóttir shared with Fox News’ Ashlyn Messier her anticipation for the upcoming analysis, though she acknowledged the animal’s identity “may remain open for discussion.”

This humble figurine, potentially a child’s plaything from over a millennium ago, thus continues to hold the attention of the archaeological community and promises to offer more insights into the Viking presence in Iceland.

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