A treasure trove of valuable goods was found in an Orkney Viking burial, which dates back approximately 1,200 years. It included a swathe, buckle, and arrows.
Papa Westray is the original location of the Mayback Viking burial. Analysis of precious objects has been completed.
One of the most exciting items is a sword, which is believed to be a Pederson Type D sword – one of the heaviest Viking weapons.
Andrew Morrison from AOC Archaeology stated: “Given that very few Viking Age swords have survived,” the Mayback case is an important addition.
“We have at least thirty of these blades in the Viking world. About half of these blades were found in Norway. Others have been discovered in Ireland, Slovakia, Poland and Russia.
The only Type D sword that is known to exist, however, comes from Eigg. This one was found in 1830.
The Viking-era sword was first discovered during 2015 digs in Papa Westray’s Mayback cemetery.
To preserve as much evidence possible, the sword and surrounding soil were taken to the laboratory in an entire block.
The sword was discovered in an unusual position within the burial – laid over the top of the body, with the hilt at the hip and the blade tip over the face.
The archaeologists believe that the commonest placement for a sword beside the body with the blade facing down is more prevalent.
The researchers removed the entire sword from its soil and placed it in a block. They then transported the blocks to the laboratory to perform forensic excavations.
Morrison stated, “It’s fragile, we don’t know what it looks like yet. So our understanding of the future is certain to change.”
“The sword’s iron has been heavily corroded with some striking details visible only through xray!”
The researchers believe the sword is a Pederson Type D – a Viking sword associated with the 9th century.
Morrison stated that Type D swords were some of the most heavy from the Viking Age. They would require the stability of a significant hilt.
They are distinguished by their decorative hilts.
Even though the guards can be only seen by Xray, experts believe they are highly decorated with an animal-paw design and a buckle.
Papa Westray is the original location of the Mayback Viking burial. Analysis has begun on these valuable items.
It was noted that the pommel’s upper and lower guards had impressive effects thanks to the use of intricate geometric designs as well as non-ferrous metallic contrastings.
Initial xray scans indicate that Mayback sword guards have a richly-decorated pattern featuring honeycomb-like hexagons.
According to researchers, however, the hilt seems to have been covered in mineralised organs. This may indicate that the cover was placed directly on the sword.
Another important find at the site was a bunch of arrowheads that were still attached to their shafts and two shield bosses.
Morrison added, “If this is true, we may be able to gain a rare insight into how weaponry was kept when it wasn’t being used.”
Due to corrosion, a brass- or bronze-colored buckle loop was found stuck to the blade. It could have been part the sword’s scabbard or a part of a belt.
Additional key discoveries at the site included a bundle of arrowheads attached to their shafts, as well as two shield bosses.
Another brass or bronze loop buckle was discovered to be attached to the sword by corrosion. This could either have been part or the waist belt.
Morrison stated that it is not very common for arrows to be found in Viking graves. When they do, however, they are usually taken out as one arrow. Surprisingly, there have been three quivers found in Viking burials, including one in Orkney.
Excavations are ongoing at the site, so it is likely that more Viking items will also be discovered, Morrsion said.
He stated that the work to be done over the coming months could really shock some people’s minds.