A family’s quest to find a missing gold earring in Norway led its members to well-preserved artifacts from the Viking era in their garden, piquing the interest of the Cultural Heritage of Vestfold and Telemark County Council and shedding new light on the history of Jomfruland, Norway.
The Aasvik Family in Jomfruland stumbled upon relics dating back more than 1,000 years when they activated their metal detector. Settlements have existed on Jomfruland for many years. It is believed that the island was inhabited during the Viking era, but evidence previously extended only to the early Middle Ages. The recent discovery confirms this belief.
The family discovered a very well-preserved bowl-shaped buckle and another item that matches both in dating and style. Researchers believe the discovery to be the preserved grave of a woman buried there in the 800s.
The Cultural Heritage of Vestfold and Telemark County Council praised the family for their responsible actions in contacting the authorities and sharing the news of their discovery. The council’s Facebook post highlighted the historical significance of the find and included a series of images showcasing the relics and the family responsible for the discovery.
