A remarkable fragment of a Viking sword, dating back to the 10th century, has been uncovered near the Frisian town of Witmarsum—the first of its kind ever found in the Netherlands. This extraordinary discovery, a beautifully crafted pommel cap that once enhanced the hilt of a sword, provides invaluable insights into the Viking Age and highlights Frisia’s critical role as a prominent center in the Norse world. Possibly adorned with gilding, this artefact has been added to the esteemed collection at the Fries Museum, where further extensive research is currently being conducted.
The significant find took place in May when amateur archaeologist Sander Visser was meticulously exploring farmland near Witmarsum equipped with a metal detector. “The detector gave a high, clear sound,” Visser recounted, excitement evident in his voice, “and as I dug, the texture felt different; I realised this was part of a pommel. Its intricate decoration made it immediately stand out.” Buried at a mere depth of less than 20 centimetres, the pommel is adorned with intricate carvings indicative of the ‘Mammen style,’ renowned as a hallmark of 10th-century Viking artistry. The exquisite design boasts striking wild boar motifs, their curling mouths still vividly visible—a potent symbol of strength, valor, and power in Viking culture.
This discovery is not merely an artistic revelation; it also accentuates the region’s historical ties with the broader Viking world. Dr Nelleke IJssennagger-van der Pluijm, director of the Fryske Akademy, elaborated on its significance: “This extraordinary find illustrates that there is still a wealth of knowledge waiting to be unearthed about the Viking Age in Frisia, an expanse larger than what is recognised as present-day Friesland, which has been increasingly illuminated through thorough research in recent years. As the first example of its kind discovered in the Netherlands, this exquisite pommel cap enriches our understanding of the historical connections between Frisia and the Viking communities of Scandinavia and the British Isles, adding a new and profound dimension to our historical insight.”
Swords within Viking and early medieval societies transcended their practical purpose as mere weapons—they served as cultural icons steeped in significance. They often bore immense symbolic value and were cherished heirlooms, frequently modified or embellished to signify the social standing and identity of their owners. Dr. Diana Spiekhout, curator of Middle Ages and Mound Culture at the Fries Museum, remarked on their legacy, stating, “Swords were much more than just weapons during the early medieval period in northern and north-western Europe. People attributed human characteristics to them, and they were often imbued with significant symbolic meaning. They could truly be considered ‘epic’ swords.”
The newfound fragment raises a multitude of intriguing questions: Was this pommel cap, a luxurious and eye-catching embellishment, perhaps intentionally removed by a subsequent owner who sought to personalise the sword to his aesthetic preference? Or had the entire sword been purposely disassembled? Moreover, how did this exquisite piece ultimately find its way to Friesland?
These intriguing questions represent only a fraction of the mysteries that the jointly collaborating teams from the Fryske Akademy and the Fries Museum aspire to unravel through their comprehensive research. “By merging our distinct areas of expertise, we aim to thoroughly examine this find from multiple perspectives, encompassing the Frisian context, the expansive Viking world, and the rich traditions of sword craftsmanship,” Spiekhout noted. They anticipate that the results of their collaborative study will be ready for publication by the end of 2025, with comparisons to other significant Viking finds offering additional context for the pommel’s historical journey and its overall significance.
The public will have an exciting opportunity to view this captivating fragment starting in April, when it makes its debut at the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden. This unveiling will be part of ‘Above Ground Level: Archaeological Finds 2000–2025,’ a retrospective exhibition celebrating the most remarkable discoveries in Dutch archaeology over the years. Following this exhibition, the artefact will return to Friesland, where it will be displayed as a permanent feature at the Fries Museum.
Top Image: Pommel cap, crafted from copper alloy with traces of gilding. Location: Witmarsum, dating approximately 900-1000 CE. Collection of the Fries Museum, acquired with the support of the Alma Tadema circle, discovered by Sander Visser. Photo credit: Jacob van Essen/Hoge Noorden
How does the discovery of the Viking sword fragment illuminate the cultural significance of swords in Viking and early medieval societies, according to Dr. IJssennagger-van der Pluijm?
**Interview with Dr. Nelleke IJssennagger-van der Pluijm on the Discovery of the Viking Sword Fragment**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Nelleke IJssennagger-van der Pluijm, director of the Fryske Akademy. We are excited to discuss the fascinating discovery of the Viking sword fragment near Witmarsum. Can you tell us a bit more about the significance of this find?
**Dr. IJssennagger-van der Pluijm:** Absolutely! This discovery is particularly significant because it is the first of its kind ever found in the Netherlands. The pommel cap, dating back to the 10th century and adorned with intricate designs representative of the ‘Mammen style,’ provides us with new insights into the Viking Age and the historical connections between Frisia and Viking communities across Scandinavia and the British Isles. It underscores Frisia’s role as a significant center in the Norse world.
**Interviewer:** How does this artifact enhance our understanding of Viking culture, particularly in relation to Frisia?
**Dr. IJssennagger-van der Pluijm:** The pommel cap exhibits wild boar motifs, which are powerful symbols of strength and valor in Viking culture. Its craftsmanship not only reflects the artistry of the time but also indicates the social status of its owner. The discovery illustrates that there is a wealth of knowledge yet to be explored in Frisia, revealing its deeper connections with the Viking world—connections that have been somewhat overshadowed until now.
**Interviewer:** There’s mention of further research being conducted at the Fries Museum. What do you hope this research will uncover?
**Dr. IJssennagger-van der Pluijm:** We aim to conduct extensive analyses on the pommel cap, including its materials and craftsmanship. This could provide clues about the resources available during that time and how this piece fits into the broader narrative of Viking trade and cultural exchange. We’re particularly interested in understanding the context of its burial: was it a common practice to remove such embellishments, or did it hold a different meaning for its last owner?
**Interviewer:** That raises intriguing questions about the personal significance of the sword. Can you elaborate on the cultural aspects of swords in Viking and early medieval societies?
**Dr. IJssennagger-van der Pluijm:** Certainly! Swords in Viking culture were much more than weapons; they were symbols of identity, power, and heritage. They often had names, were revered like family members, and carried significant personal and societal meanings. The presence of exquisite embellishments like this pommel cap indicates that swords were also means of display for social status.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. IJssennagger-van der Pluijm, for your insights. It’s clear that this remarkable find opens up new avenues for understanding our Viking heritage.
**Dr. IJssennagger-van der Pluijm:** Thank you for having me. I believe that every find like this not only enriches our history but also captivates the imagination about our collective past during the Viking Age.
