Female Viking Warriors:
To be or not to be?
The Birka archeological dig, also known as Bj 581 (Bjorko 581), is a historic gravesite documented in Birka, Sweden in 1889 by Anthropologist Hjalmar Stolpe as part of an archaeological excavation on the island of Bjorko (known as Birch Island today). Considered one of the most iconic graves of the Viking Age, the human remains were long considered to be that of a high ranking male warrior. But forensic anthropology is revealing new and curious clues to this rich history -- and the story has only just begun. In 2017, Anthropologists used DNA technology to confirm earlier suspicions that Bj 581 was, in fact, female.
Reviewing the strategy and anthropological methods used in this archaeologic finding will expand our understanding of the humanitarian aspects and the significance of Bj 581 as it pertains to women and their cultural roles as defined by patriarchy.
Approximately 1100 Bjorko (Birka) graves were excavated in the late nineteenth century by anthropologist Hjalmar Stolpe.. Stolpe, by all accounts was meticulous in his work. He used pioneering recording methods that have stood the test of time; for example, he was one of the first anthropologists to use graph paper for field drawings. He additionally used marking products such as India ink to label each bone collected. These marks are still present on the remaining bones today. And although questions have been raised regarding the mishandling of the contents of Bj 581 grave, anthropologists agree, due to Stolpe's methods, there is no possible way these bones were confused or mixed with other bones during processing or storage during their tenure at the Swedish Historical Museum.
The debate continues as to the real identity of this fascinating cold case of Bj 581, the female Viking warrior. Read on to discover the clues and facts anthropologists have uncovered that keep this mystery identity alive!
This illustration historically depicts the Bj-581 grave.
By Þórhallur Þráinsson (© Neil Price)
How can anthropology confront cultural bias in the caseof Bj 581?
The debate in the cold case of Bj-581 centers around the anthropological interpretation of remains found at the Bj 581 gravesite. In the historical context for traditional Viking culture, this gravesite contains a stockpile of medieval weaponry including external elements such as weapons, shields, horses and game pieces which are understood to be used for strategic battle warfare, indicating full military alignment. The quandary anthropological science faces now is the discovery of the remains to be biologically female. This is not only at odds with traditional gender roles presumed by anthropological communities, but also evades many culturally relevant interpretations about the gendered roles in Viking society. This discovery potentially turns the viking notion of culture upside down by challenging the assumptions made over historical accounts of Viking life.
Forensic anthropological findings in the case of Bj 581 begins a very contemporary debate about the gendered biases in historical societies based in part on patriarchal constructs within the field. In the case of Bj 581, social justice for this human's authentic identity should be sought no matter the decedent’s lifestyle, age, sex, gender identity or ancestry. The most recent findings in the Bj 581 case has challenged the most traditional notions of gender roles and identity in the fascinating tale of Viking Warrior Women that has been largely relegated to mythology.
What anthropological clues have lead to reclassifying the biological sex estimation
of Bj 581?
In 1975, anthropologist Berit Vilkans conducted a groundbreaking analysis of the remaining Bj 581 bones at the Swedish Historical Museum. This analysis covered the condition and size of the bones. Of 260 bones, 40 remained from Bj 581, and while considerably decomposed and dry, the bones were considered well preserved for the time due to the method of interment. The bones analyzed included both tibias, left pelvic hip and skull. Vilkins estimated the approximate height at 170 centimeters and approximately 125 pounds at perimortem interval. Vilkins recorded notable findings in the coccyx inlet that appeared female. Also noted was cranial orbital roundness with less pronounced occipital bone, also estimated to be a female feature. At that time, Vilkans findings were largely dismissed.
In 2016, Osteo-archaeologist Anna Kjellström revisited the study. Osteological samples were taken from the left canine and the left humerus. In 2017, geneticists Anders Götherström and Maja Krzewińska share insights on their 2017 DNA study that provided definitive evidence of the warrior’s gender:
"Genome‐wide sequence data was generated in order to confirm the biological sex, to support skeletal integrity, and to investigate the genetic relationship of the individual to ancient individuals as well as modern‐day groups... The genomic results revealed the lack of a Y‐chromosome."
This illustration historically depicts the Bj-581 grave.
By Þórhallur Þráinsson (© Neil Price)
How forensic anthropology informs cultural identification in Bj 581
For the most part, the Vikings did not write about themselves. The only written content about the culture exists because of those the Vikings came into contact with, those that were the object of Viking aggression, ultimately only telling one side of the cultural story. Additionally, when Bj 581 was recorded, male biological sex was not only conflated with a man's gendered identity, but also that warrior-hood was presumed to be an exclusively masculine pursuit; the same interpretation would undoubtedly have been made had no human bone survived at all.
Many historians and scientists today continue to question whether Bj 581 was an actual female warrior. When the remains were considered to be male, there were no doubts as to the status and military alignment. However, lots of people now have questions about the human cultural context in which we find Bj 581 after DNA confirmation analysis.
Indeed, as we look at other female remains within the viking culture, there has been clear documentation of women at mass battle graves, encased in armor. Check out this account of the Fleet of the Red Girl.
“This is something that has generated a lot of interest through time, because of some of the texts of female warriors… and now we’re getting new technologies that can bring those texts and that archaeology into closer contact,” -- Davide Zori, Baylor University
How anthropological scene processing for Bj 581 impacts identity
Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson, Uppsala University anthropologist on Bj 581 tells CBC News Radio that making assumptions regarding effects found at the burial does not necessarily conclude that Bj 581 was a warrior, but the available evidence strongly suggest the female was held in high regard with respect to warfare. Of 1100 excavated burials on Birka, only 75 graves contained weapons. Bj 581 is one of only two burials from the entire island with a full arsenal of weapons. As such, Bj 581 has been labeled one of the 20 richest graves on the site. Notably, there were no typically "female" burial items, such as jewelry, weaving equipment or agricultural implements. Additionally, the preserved garments, including traditionally "men's" clothing, include a tasseled cap, generally reserved for "leading members of society" indicate cultural stature. A thorough anthropological review of the personal effects suggest Bj 581 was likely a high ranking female warrior. Read more about the gravesite findings and personal effects contributing to identity here.
In addition to personal effects, the landscape and method of interment gives anthropologists many clues to identity. The location of method burial was positioned in a way that overlooks the city, a culturally significant location for the high-ranking and wealthiest of the area. The grave was marked with a large boulder that can be seen from the city, also a mark of high-ranking warriors. This location also provided a means of preservation, allowing anthropologists some 1000 years later to conduct scientifically relevant studies confirming identity.
Milestone Timeline for Bj 851
Scroll slideshow to learn about Bj 581's journey and processes
by forensic anthropologists uncovering clues to Bj-581's identity
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