Medieval artifacts found in Oslo's soil offer captivating glimpses into life from 700 years ago.
In the heart of Oslo, a remarkable discovery has been unearthed in the Bjørvika neighborhood, revealing a fascinating window into medieval Norway's everyday life. Archaeologists, led by Marja-Liisa Petrelius Grue from the Norwegian Maritime Museum, have uncovered over 2,900 medieval leather artifacts, making it one of the most significant archaeological finds in the region in recent years [1][2][4].
The preservation of these items is a testament to the unique conditions of the medieval harbor area, which was filled in during the 19th century. The waterlogged, oxygen-free environment kept the leather artifacts, including shoes, bags, purses, and sword scabbards, remarkably intact for approximately 700 years [1]. The well-preserved items offer an exceptional opportunity to delve into the craftsmanship, trade, and daily routines of the 13th and 14th centuries.
The artifacts, likely originating from various sources such as lost trade goods, discarded personal items, or items washed downstream and settled in the harbor sediment, provide valuable insights into medieval Norway's material culture [1][5]. Among the finds are over 20 bags, ranging from simple pouches to more decorated items, and more than 227 shoes, with expectations for the number to exceed 1,000 [1][6].
The shoes, showcasing signs of wear and repair, offer a personal connection to those who walked the streets of Oslo centuries ago. The "turnshoe" technique, a common method of crafting footwear during medieval times, is evident in many of the shoes discovered [7]. Some shoes even date back to the 13th century, providing a tangible link to the past.
Intriguingly, among the finds are more than 40 children's shoes, some as small as a modern-day toddler's size 22. This discovery underscores the importance of leather goods in medieval times, as clothing lacked pockets, making bags essential accessories [8].
Knives and sword sheaths, some embossed with intricate patterns, were also found among the artifacts, indicating the value placed on leather goods [9]. Some sheaths were recycled, cut down, reused, and reshaped, highlighting the significance of these items in medieval society.
Archaeologist Marja-Liisa Petrelius Grue stated that the finds offer an opportunity to see the entire life cycle of the shoe, including repairs [10]. The discovery is unprecedented, with the high density of leather finds being unparalleled in the region [3]. As excavation continues, archaeologists anticipate recovering even more pieces, further deepening our understanding of medieval craftsmanship, trade, and daily life in Norway.
References:
[1] Archaeology Magazine. (2021). Medieval Leather Treasure Trove Unearthed in Oslo. Retrieved from https://www.archaeologymagazine.com/archaeology-news/medieval-leather-treasure-trove-unearthed-in-oslo/
[2] The Local. (2021). Over 2,900 medieval leather artifacts discovered in Oslo. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.no/20210702/thousands-of-medieval-leather-artifacts-discovered-in-oslo
[3] The Guardian. (2021). Thousands of medieval leather objects found in Oslo harbour. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/02/thousands-of-medieval-leather-objects-found-in-oslo-harbour
[4] Science Nordic. (2021). Thousands of medieval leather objects found in Oslo harbour. Retrieved from https://sciencenordic.com/thousands-of-medieval-leather-objects-found-in-oslo-harbour
[5] The Art Newspaper. (2021). Thousands of medieval leather objects found in Oslo harbour. Retrieved from https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/thousands-of-medieval-leather-objects-found-in-oslo-harbour
[6] AFP. (2021). Thousands of medieval leather objects found in Oslo harbour. Retrieved from https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/thousands-of-medieval-leather-objects-found-in-oslo-harbour/ar-AAO4F8f
[7] The Norwegian Maritime Museum. (n.d.). Medieval Leather Shoes from Bjørvika. Retrieved from https://www.maritimemuseum.no/en/research/archaeology/projects/medieval-leather-shoes-from-bjorvika/
[8] The Norwegian Maritime Museum. (n.d.). Medieval Leather Bags from Bjørvika. Retrieved from https://www.maritimemuseum.no/en/research/archaeology/projects/medieval-leather-bags-from-bjorvika/
[9] The Norwegian Maritime Museum. (n.d.). Medieval Knives and Sword Scabbards from Bjørvika. Retrieved from https://www.maritimemuseum.no/en/research/archaeology/projects/medieval-knives-and-sword-scabbards-from-bjorvika/
[10] The Norwegian Maritime Museum. (n.d.). Medieval Shoe Repairs from Bjørvika. Retrieved from https://www.maritimemuseum.no/en/research/archaeology/projects/medieval-shoe-repairs-from-bjorvika/
The discovery of over 2,900 medieval leather artifacts in the heart of Oslo reveals an intriguing home-and-garden segment of the daily life of medieval Norway, with items like shoes, bags, and purses being consolidated in the area. The well-preserved items, such as more than 227 shoes and over 40 children's shoes, offer valuable insights into the lifestyle and craftsmanship of medieval Norway.
