The Whalebone Plaque of Sanday: A Viking Mystery Carved in Bone

Discovered within a Viking-age female burial on the island of Sanday, Orkney, in 1991, the whalebone plaque stands as a compelling artifact, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and enduring mysteries of Scandinavian ingenuity. Its detailed carvings and unique context have sparked numerous theories regarding its purpose, from practical tool to ceremonial object.

Unraveling the Enigma of the Whalebone Plaque

The whalebone plaque’s discovery and characteristics present a fascinating puzzle, leading to diverse interpretations about its function and significance within Viking society.

Discovery and Context

The plaque’s discovery within a female burial on Sanday, Orkney, provides crucial context for understanding its potential role in Viking culture.

• Female Burial Site:
  • The find within a female burial suggests a strong association with women, hinting at its potential role in female identity or rituals.
  • It was found in a woman’s grave.
• Island of Sanday, Orkney:
  • The location on Sanday, Orkney, a Viking-age settlement, highlights the spread of Scandinavian culture and craftsmanship across the North Atlantic.
  • It was found in a Viking settlement.
• 1991 Discovery:
  • The 1991 discovery adds to our understanding of Viking-age artifacts and burial practices, providing valuable insights into the period.
  • It was found in 1991.

Carved Details and Stylistic Uniformity

The plaque’s intricate carvings and stylistic similarities to other Scandinavian artifacts point to a shared cultural prototype and artistic tradition.

• Animal Head Carvings:
  • The animal head carvings, resembling dragons or horses, reflect the Viking penchant for animal motifs and symbolic representations.
  • It has animal carvings.
• Geometric Patterns:
  • The geometric circles, dots, and block-patterned border demonstrate the precision and attention to detail characteristic of Scandinavian craftsmanship.
  • It has geometric patterns.
• Shared Cultural Prototype:
  • The uniformity in style with plaques found across Scandinavia and Viking-inhabited regions suggests a shared cultural prototype and artistic tradition.
  • It is similar to other plaques.

Uncertain Purpose and Theories

Despite its detailed carvings and cultural context, the true purpose of the whalebone plaque remains uncertain, leading to various theories and interpretations.

• Linen Smoothers:
  • The theory that these plaques were used as linen smoothers, similar to medieval ironing boards, is widely discussed, but lacks definitive evidence in some cases.
  • It could have been used for linen.
• Lack of Wear and Iron:
  • The Sanday plaque, like many others, lacks signs of wear and was buried without its iron, raising questions about its practical use as a linen smoother.
  • It shows little wear.
• Ceremonial Function:
  • The possibility of a ceremonial function is considered, given the plaque’s burial context and lack of practical wear, suggesting it may have held symbolic or ritual significance.
  • It could have had a ceremonial use.

Symbolism and Social Significance

The whalebone plaque’s material, context, and potential uses suggest it held symbolic and social significance within Viking society.

Symbol of Wealth and Status

The rare and valuable material of whalebone suggests the plaque may have symbolized wealth and status within Viking society.

• Rare Material:
  • Whalebone was a rare and valuable material, requiring significant effort to obtain, making the plaque a symbol of wealth and prestige.
  • Whalebone was rare.
• Effort to Obtain:
  • The effort required to obtain whalebone added to its value, indicating that the plaque was a prized possession.
  • It was hard to get whalebone.
• High-Status Object:
  • The plaque’s presence in a female burial suggests it was a high-status object associated with women of importance.
  • It was a high-status item.

Connection to Norse Mythology

Theories linking the plaque to Norse mythology suggest it may have played a role in rituals or offerings related to goddesses like Freyja.

• Freyja and Flax Weaving:
  • The connection to Freyja, the goddess of fertility and love, is proposed, with women weaving flax and smoothing linen on the plaques as offerings.
  • It could be related to Freyja.
• “Seed of a Woman” Symbolism:
  • The association of flax with “the seed of a woman” adds to the symbolic significance of the plaque, linking it to female fertility and creation.
  • Flax has symbolic meaning.
• Ritualistic Use:
  • The plaque’s potential ritualistic use suggests it may have played a role in ceremonies or practices related to Norse mythology and female deities.
  • It may have been used in rituals.

High-Status Dining Platter

The suggestion that these plaques served as high-status dining platters, supported by cut marks found on some examples, offers another perspective on their function.

• Cut Marks Evidence:
  • The presence of cut marks on some plaques provides evidence that they may have been used as dining platters, indicating their use in feasting or social gatherings.
  • Some have cut marks.
• Social Gatherings:
  • The use of the plaques in social gatherings suggests they were associated with hospitality and communal meals.
  • They might have been used in gatherings.
• Symbol of Hospitality:
  • The plaques may have symbolized hospitality and generosity, reflecting the importance of these values in Viking society.
  • They might have symbolized hospitality.

The Enduring Significance of the Whalebone Plaque

The whalebone plaque’s discovery and study contribute to our understanding of Viking-age craftsmanship, social practices, and cultural beliefs.

Female Identity and Association

The strong association of these plaques with female burials highlights their potential role in defining and expressing female identity in Viking society.

• Women’s Graves:
  • The fact that these artifacts are primarily found in women’s graves underscores their connection to female identity and social roles.
  • They are found in womens graves.
• Symbolic Representation:
  • The plaques may have served as symbolic representations of female status, roles, or beliefs, reflecting the complexity of Viking social structures.
  • They may have symbolized female roles.
• Understanding Female Roles:
  • The study of these plaques contributes to our understanding of female roles and experiences in Viking society, providing insights into their lives and practices.
  • They help us understand women’s roles.

Scandinavian Artistry and Craftsmanship

The intricate carvings and detailed craftsmanship of the whalebone plaque showcase the high level of artistry and skill present in Viking-age Scandinavia.

• Detailed Carvings:
  • The detailed carvings on the plaque demonstrate the Viking’s mastery of bone carving and their ability to create intricate designs.
  • The carvings are very detailed.
• Artistic Skill:
  • The artistic skill evident in the plaque reflects the Viking’s appreciation for beauty and their commitment to creating high-quality artifacts.
  • They were skilled artists.
• Cultural Depth:
  • The plaque’s artistry and symbolism highlight the cultural depth and sophistication of the Viking world, beyond the popular image of warriors and raiders.
  • They had a deep culture.

Archaeological and Historical Value

The whalebone plaque’s archaeological and historical value lies in its ability to provide insights into Viking-age culture, trade, and social practices.

• Insights into Viking Culture:
  • The plaque provides valuable insights into Viking-age culture, including their artistic traditions, social structures, and burial practices.
  • It tells us about Viking culture.
• Trade and Exchange:
  • The presence of similar plaques across Scandinavia and Viking-inhabited regions suggests trade and cultural exchange networks.
  • It shows trade networks.
• Preservation of History:
  • The preservation of the whalebone plaque ensures that a piece of Viking-age history is accessible to future generations, contributing to our understanding of the past.
  • It preserves history.

The whalebone plaque of Sanday, Orkney, remains a captivating artifact, blending intricate craftsmanship with enduring mysteries. Whether used as a practical tool, a symbol of wealth, or a ritual object, it stands as a testament to the artistry and cultural depth of the Viking world, inviting us to explore the complexities of their society and beliefs.