Archaeologists in Norway’s capital, Oslo, have made a remarkable discovery in the Bjørvika district, unearthing thousands of remarkably preserved leather artifacts from the 13th to 15th centuries. These findings offer an extraordinary insight into the fashion and daily lives of medieval inhabitants of Oslo.
The excavation, conducted by the Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research, took place in the port district of Bjørvika over the past winter and spring. Bjørvika was initially submerged during the medieval period, but over centuries, landfill transformed the area into dry land, creating ideal conditions for the preservation of organic materials like leather.
Among the discoveries were 2,900 objects, including 2,700 leather items, as noted by archaeologist Marja-Liisa P. Grue. These objects range from decorated shoes and purses to sword sheaths and blades, illustrating a society that emphasized recycling and reuse. Items were repeatedly repaired and repurposed, and even children’s shoes were refitted for use as the children grew, with some shoes as small as those for a one-year-old.
Experts believe the leather artifacts were transported to the area by the Alnaelva River, as they are mostly made from materials that float well, such as leather, bone, and wood. The preservation conditions, characterized by moisture and lack of oxygen, contributed to the remarkable state of the artifacts.
Interestingly, the archaeological record shows a gap, with the artifacts revealing a direct jump from the late 19th century to the medieval period, missing around 400 years of history. This raises questions about the historical use of the area, which was known for travel up the nearby river at least into the first part of the 19th century.
These findings not only provide insight into medieval fashion but also shed light on the everyday lives of people in the region. The discovery of child-sized shoes offers a unique perspective on medieval childhood, with similar styles observed in the footwear of adults, indicating a continuity in fashion across different age groups.
Additionally, the findings align with broader trends of clothing-related discoveries in Scandinavia, such as the notable Viking grave in Sweden, where remnants of a garment were found. These discoveries collectively contribute to a deeper understanding of the material culture and daily activities of people in medieval times.