Oseberg: the famous Viking tomb housed two women

A large boat, finely worked objects, textiles: the tomb of Oseberg seems to promise the identity of a famous character. It contained two women whose names we still do not know. Their presence puts people in the foreground that the popular image of the Viking warrior can easily leave in the shadows.

Estimates presented by the Oseberg Viking Heritage Foundation give about eighty years to one and fifty to the other. The food and wealth of the funerary objects indicate a high status. Assumptions have identified the eldest to Queen asa and presented the other as a maid, but these identifications are not established.

The chests, beds, sleighs and other objects described by the museums make it possible to examine the means devoted to their funeral. They do not constitute an identity card. The contrast is the strength of this discovery: an extraordinarily rich burial can teach us a lot about the place of its occupants, while keeping their relationship and their names secret.