Viking Age ship burial

Viking Age ship burials were elaborate funeral ceremonies where a deceased individual's body was placed inside a ship or a ship-shaped burial mound. These burials, often for important chieftains or warriors, included grave goods such as weapons, tools, jewelry, and sometimes sacrificed animals or slaves, reflecting the person's status and beliefs about the afterlife. The ship served as a vessel for the soul's journey, symbolizing their passage to the afterworld. These graves provide valuable insights into Viking culture, social hierarchy, and maritime skills during the period from the late 8th to early 11th centuries.