In 1950, one of Denmark’s largest archaeological excavations began in Illerup Ådal near Aarhus. In a bog, well-preserved remnants of a large army emerged. For a long time, it remained a mystery where the army had come from—until the combs showed the way.
Text: Einar Chr. Erlingsen
The artifacts had belonged to an invasion force of approximately 1,000 men and dated back to the early 3rd century. The army had clearly been defeated, and its equipment was sacrificed by the local victors as an offering to the gods. Several similar finds have been made in Denmark, and in fact, four separate weapon sacrifices have been discovered in the same lake, dating to the period between 200 and 450 AD.
Alongside the combs, a large number of weapons were found: swords, lances, spears, arrows, shields, and horse gear for at least 20 horses. Additionally, personal belongings such as pouches, belts, coins (Roman), fire strikers, and other items were uncovered. The artifacts had been sacrificed in what, in the early 3rd century, was a small lake.
Combs are common in Viking Age finds—wherever Vikings have been, combs have been found. Excavations in the historic Viking town of Hedeby (now in Germany) have revealed extensive imports of combs from Norway. The origin of these combs is determined by the fact that they are made from reindeer and elk antlers. Danish-produced combs, on the other hand, were typically made of wood or red deer antler; elk and reindeer did not exist in Denmark.
Norway Before the Viking Age
Returning to the finds at Illerup Ådal, the combs discovered there were also made from elk and reindeer antler. Additionally, there are significant regional differences in style and construction. Both factors point to western Sweden and Norway as the army’s place of origin. Furthermore, the current director of NIKU (Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research), Terje Gansum, has pointed out strong similarities between the Illerup finds and a burial find in southern Vestfold.
According to traditional Norwegian historiography, there should not have been a central power in Norway in the 3rd century capable of equipping and transporting a well-organized force of 1,000 men, along with a number of horses, across the sea. The logistical challenge would have been formidable, though it may have been solved through collaboration between multiple local chieftains.
Combs in the Oseberg Find
Combs were also found in the Oseberg burial mound. This is one of the reasons why Oseberg Viking Heritage recently held a course on Viking-style comb-making. Ten volunteers participated over three evenings, guided by their new event manager, Knut Roger Brekke.
Anette Gravdal was one of the ten participants and was very pleased with the course. She proudly displays what is shaping up to be a fine Viking comb. Her only complaint is that the pace was a bit too fast—she would have liked more time to finish. The course leader agrees and promises to take that into consideration before the next course is held.
