Tuesday, 16 December 2014 00:00

Baffin Island crucible identified by Dr. Patricia Sutherland as further evidence of Norse presence in arctic

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50 year old crucible provide further evidence of Norse presence in the Arctic

A stone vessel discovered over 50 years ago has been identified by Dr. Patricia Sutherland as further evidence of a Viking or Medieval Norse presence in Arctic Canada during the centuries around 1000 A.D.

As reported in Geoarchaeology the artifact was excavated 50 years ago from a site on Baffin Island. It was recently identified as a crucible that would have been used for melting bronze for use in ornaments or small items. This find further bolsters the evidence for the Norse traveling and establishing way points to trade for arctic trade goods such as walrus ivory and soft pelts that were in high demand in northern Europe.  

 

Stone vessel evidence for viking metallurgy in North America
A stone vessel discovered 50 years ago has been identified by Dr. Patricia D. Sutherland as a vessel used by vikings for high temperature smelting.
Last modified on Tuesday, 24 February 2015 21:44