Rare 1,300-Year-Old Fabric Fragments Found in Viking Grave in Denmark

At the Skonager site near Varde, Denmark, archaeologists have unearthed exceptional clothing remnants dating back 1,300 years, originating from a Viking Age burial. Alongside the fabric, two oval brooches, iron knives, glass beads, and teeth were also found. The corrosion on the brooches has helped preserve the textiles. The arrangement of the fragments could provide insights into the layering of garments. The National Museum of Denmark highlights the rarity of surviving clothing from this era. Textile specialist Lise Ræder Knudsen will conduct an analysis, while radiocarbon dating will help confirm their age. One brooch appears to have been repaired, indicating it might have been a family heirloom. Researchers Ulla Mannering and Charlotte Rimstad will investigate pigment residues. The Viking Age in Denmark spans from 800 to 1050 C.E.