Kaupang, Norway: the lost volva
Somewhere in the ancient city of Kaupang, Norway, a lady was buried. She was found sitting in the front of a burial ship, dressed in strange leather clothes, a staff in her hand. A shield was found next to her. Behind her, in the middle of the ship, the remains of a man, woman and child where found. The uncommon clothes of the lady and her position puzzle the archaeologists. Who was she? Was she a protector, a priestess, a vala?
I wanted to find her. The remains of ancient Kaupang are spread in a large area, with many small isles. Somewhere in this area the woman was found in an unknown burial mound. “Kaupang is the Pompeii of Norway” researchers claim. Many finds where digged up: common objects, glass beads, the ships of the dead. Many books where written about this place.
Now I was in Kaupang, looking for her.
Here, before my feet, five small graves, two in a boat form. An information sign told me I was in the right place. Really? The right place? Where were the giant grave fields the books promised me? “Most of the graves and other finds are reburied here in the fields” the sign told me. And what about the graves before me? “Go to the museum” the sign sighed.
The museum was closed. No woman with staff anywhere.
You are not here, I can feel it. Maybe your grave rests on one of the many islands.
Woman, I would really liked to have found you that day. I know you have a lot to tell us about the role you had, you seem to be an important piece of the volva-puzzle. Why where you sitting in the front position? Why where you wearing strange clothes? Where is your staff, and what does it look like? What else is found in your last resting place?
I will find you, staff-woman. I will write to the museum, I will find more information. And one day I will return to Kaupang.
