At Scattering Ashes we think Viking Longboat urn offers you the best chance to get to Valhalla, either buried in a Sutton Hoo style burial or set adrift and set aflame.
If you choose the boat burial option then you probably already know that our Viking cousins opted to have items buried with them. The objects known as grave goods where there to assist the deceased in the next life, so if you are trying to recreate this passage then we have put together a list of suggested items that would be useful/traditional:
- Weapons: Weapons were often included in the burials of Viking warriors. These could include swords, spears, axes, and sometimes shields. The weapons represented the deceased’s status as a warrior and their ability to defend themselves in the afterlife.
- Jewellery: Jewellery was commonly placed in Viking graves, particularly for women. This could include brooches, necklaces, rings, arm rings – which were very status related, amulets and beads made of precious metals like gold and silver or amber. These items represented wealth, status, and personal adornment.
- Tools and Implements: Tools and everyday items were sometimes buried with individuals to assist them in the afterlife. This could include items such as knives, combs, weaving tools, and cooking utensils. I think these objects tend objects represented the deceased’s occupation or skills.
- Vessels and Utensils: Burial sites often included pottery vessels, drinking horns, or wooden bowls. These objects may have held symbolic or practical value (or both?), serving as containers for food, drink, or other offerings.
- Personal Items: Personal belongings that held sentimental value or had significance to the individual were sometimes included. These could be personal grooming items, coins, gaming pieces, amulets, or items of sentimental value.
- Animal Sacrifices: In some cases, animal sacrifices were buried alongside the deceased. This practice represented the provision of sustenance for the individual in the afterlife and the importance of animals in Viking religious beliefs. There is evidence for human sacrifice in a number of high-status burial. Obvious this this whole human / animal sacrifice thing is ‘morally questionable’ in this day and age… I just included it for completeness. Perhaps a photo or two would suffice?
It’s important to note that the selection of grave goods could vary based on factors such as regional variations, social status, and individual preferences.
I must think what I would include? Definitely a tooth brush and clean pair of pants.