WERE VIKING WARRIOR WOMEN REAL?
YES.
VIKING WARRIOR WOMEN + VALKYRIES
Each year, every third Saturday of October is International Archaeology Day to celebrate archaeology and its contributions to society. In this spirit, I’m honoring a story about women, gender and equality that involves Viking Warrior Women!
It turns out that mythologies about Valkyries or Shield Maidens, as per “Hervor, daughter of Heidrek, dying at the Battle of the Goths and Huns” by Peter Nicolai Arbo, have roots in reality!
Through DNA, it has been revealed that a quintessential high-status warrior buried in the Swedish town of Birka, “Bj 581“, is not a man, but a battle-ready WOMAN!
Some archeologists specializing in Viking burials theorize a fascinating interpretation of Viking Warrior women and gender roles. While biologically female, gender could have been “constructed” - and may have dynamically changed due to social circumstances and experiences. If this sounds familiar, it may be similar to how we see gender identity today!
Image credit: Drawing by Porhallur Prainsson, © Neil Price
Hjalmar Stolpe
GRAVE GOOD FROM BJ 581
Not only is jewelry among the world’s first art forms, it is also physical evidence (along with metal weaponry) that can tell us so much about our ancestors and our past!
Around 750 to 950, Birka, an important Viking Age trading center was thriving. Today, it is regarded as Sweden’s oldest town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Thanks to Hjalmar Stolpe coming to the island to study fossilized insects in an unusually large amount of amber, a series of archeological excavations led to a very special chamber-grave: Bj 581. Originally excavated in 1889, the burial was interpreted as a high-status male warrior. The remains were accompanied by horses and vestiges of war: two shields, a sword, an ax, a spear, armor-piercing arrows, and a battle knife.
In 2017, osteological analysis and DNA revealed the remains were female!
While she was buried with many incredible artifacts, including chess-like gaming pieces, my favorite is the jewel-like bronze object!
HARGREAVES OF STOCKHOLM - TOVE COLLECTION
Among my favorite qualities about Hargreaves Stockholm’s jewelry is that they are imbued with a dynamic cultural history... a Viking one!
Inspired by Scandinavia, Swedish forests and the magical paintings of Moomin Valley by Tove Jansson, Jemima’s thoughtfully designed “Tove” Collection is imbued with the shapes and symbols that evoke strength and power.
Bj 581 is archeological and scientific evidence that Viking Warrior Women were very real!
I see any of Jemima’s jewels as a powerful TalisWOMAN!
Another reason to love her work is that they are crafted with fair mined gold and responsibly sourced gemstones. In the spirit of knowing one’s jewelry ingredients:
“The fine jewelry trade is steeped in a wonderful tradition, this doesn’t mean that it has to stagnate - new possibilities open with every piece of new technology and every new discovery. It has become clear that a consumer should be assured that products they eat, clothe themselves in and adorn themselves with, are produced responsibly, ecologically and ethically. Every industry has a responsibility to look after their corner of the world, the jewelry industry is no exception, regardless of its tradition.”
– Jemima Hargreaves
DM me to learn more about Jemima’s jewelry for purchase.
MORE JEWELRY BY
HARGREAVES STOCKHOLM
CURATED DESIGNER JEWELRY THAT ALIGNS WITH YOUR VALUES
Interested in a curated selection of discerning fine jewelry? I’m here for you!
As your jewelry guide, I help you acquire responsibly sourced rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets - designed by women. This means striving for:
• transparency in origin
• conflict-free
• supporting and protecting people, their skills, and the environment - be it land or sea.
What are the benefits of The Brilliant Concierge service?
A fluid, personalized experience, presenting you with thoughtfully designed jewelry for purchase you will love. The service can be:
• Editing your current jewelry wardrobe and anticipating needs for your next purchase.
• Advising you on kinds of jewelry that fit your lifestyle and values, as well as wear and care considerations.
• Sourcing jewelry for you or a gift for someone you love, be it day-to-night stud earrings or an engagement ring.