Borg, Vestvågøy

Location

Borg is situated on a ridge, the steep drops to the two Gulf of Vestvågøy that were fjords in the Iron Age. For sailors who were not familiar to the entrance from the sea was difficult and dangerous. The oldest settlement located on the northern edge of the excavation area at Ostad and has been dated to the 2nd century. On the shore of the Gulf three hangars ( Naust ) were identified, two of which longships were large enough. The largest was 30 m long. A complex consisted of farmsteads that were grouped around a settlement. This settlement is regarded by archaeologists using similar forms in other parts of the country as a sort of barracks for the crew of the chief.

Context

The nave

The investigations focused on an extraordinary long house, which was built in the 5th or 6th century. It had three naves with two rows of roof -supporting pillars and was initially 55 m long and 8 m wide. In the 8th, rather in the 7th century, the hall was enlarged. It has now been 83 m long and 7.50 to 9 m wide. Half of the building was always used as the stables. This hall was abandoned 950-1000.

The artifacts

The interpretation

The interior design consists of the wooden floor in the aisles, an elongated trench fire with fire pits in the center and very deep pits of fire at the end. This is interpreted to the effect that the hall was also the reception room for guests and even hard space for the religious celebrations ( blót ). The deep pits at the end did not contain ash and were probably designed with heated stones on which you put the meat, which was then covered, what would the peat to the pits around explain. An additional separate hearth is associated with religious sacrifices. This is also the embossed gold plates and a Gagatring in or near the support holes. An obvious interpretation of a votive offering for the space is seen.