Social Status and Gender: Burial Reflection in Viking Culture

Presentation Year

2019

College or Department

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Short Description of your Research or Creative Project (700 characters or less)

Burials excavated at the Birka, Sweden archaeological site, which was under Viking occupation from 750 to 950 CE, provides a cultural snapshot of gender and social status. Previous studies make inaccurate assumptions of gender based on types of tools found. In addition, there has been limited research linking osteological analyses with artifact analysis, which has also led to inaccurate assumptions regarding gender and social status. This work, which expanded and revised our understanding of gender expectations and social differences in Viking society from this time period, can be used to also further our knowledge of other societies.

Permission to Publish Work

No