Vestvågøy
- 1
Borg
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Site/Artefact Type Site
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(Photo: Vebjørn Storeide)
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Description
The Borg area became the focus for
extended archaeological surveys and excavations
after a local farmer's discoveries during ploughing
in 1981. Large-scale excavations went on from 1986
to 1989.
The excavations resulted in evidence of settlement from 200 AD to 1300 AD with imported material from southern Europe being found. All together, the results of the excavations are interpreted as evidence of a possible chieftain's seat from the Iron Age period. From the heights, the view is exceptional both to the sea and over the agricultural areas.
The main excavations went on in the area we now call "The Sacred Heights". A very large building (Borg I), 83 m long was completely excavated, together with a nearby smaller building (Borg II), while other traces of settlement (Borg III and IV) were revealed through smaller excavations and trenches.
Borg I-III has probably been settled continuously from 200 AD up to the 14th century, while it seems that Borg IV can be traced to the 18th century.
The discovery of the settlement at Borg has revealed information about building-traditions during the Iron Age in Northern Norway, and also on the "transition period", the religious change from heathen to Christianity. At the same time, a large amount of artefacts has provided us with information about society and everyday life through a long period of time. The artefacts are evidence of extended traditions of handcraft, as well as the organisation of everyday life. Imported material has challenged traditional theories of contact, and the recovery of 5 unique gold foil figures illustrates the religious aspect of Iron Age society.
The Sacred Heights have been settled for almost 2000 years, a period with continuous changes in social structure and religion. The recovery of the remains of the largest building ever found within Europe from this period shows us that the inhabitants of Lofoten were part of a chiefdom-system where services and trading-objects were exchanged regionally and internationally.
Excavation Details
Not Available
Access/Ownership
Public admission is available on payment of an
entrance-fee. The museum-area is accessed by
pathways with signposts. Cultural heritage sites
outside of this area are private.
References
- Munch, Johansen & Roesdal, 2003. Borg in Lofoten. A chieftain's farm in North Norway. Arkeologisk Skriftserie 1.
Check out the following sections of the website for related information:
Vestvågøy Sites and Artefacts
Mayo - Vestvågøy - Mid-Argyll
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Timelines | 700BC to 0 | 0 to 800AD | 800AD to 1100AD |
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This
project has been supported by the EU as part of the Culture
2000 programme.