Mound 1 named ‘Skopintull’ was a very complex and rich double cremation grave dated to the 9th century. It was discovered in Hovgården on isle Adelsön (Uppland, Sweden). In the bronze bucket located, which was located under a cairn, were discovered burnt bones of man (over 50 years old) and woman (30-50 years old). On the top of the vessel was located strand of dark brown human hair. Moreover, among human bones were found remains of a cat, cattle, seven dogs, three horses two pigs and sheep/goat. What is interesting in this grave were also documented burnt bones of hen (Gallus gallus domesticus), greylag goose (Anser anser) / domestic goose (Anser anser domesticus), white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo), northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), common crane (Grus grus), Eurasian teal (Anas crecca), bird belonging to Anatidae family and undetermined species of bird(s).
In the cremation layer, which surrounding metal bucket, were discovered numerous rich and unique artefacts like fragments of textiles with golden thread, numerous bronze mounts, multicoloured glass beads, antler/bone/horn combs and several bone game pieces.
Furthermore, in 2013 in the storehouse of Swedish History Museum archaeologist Dr Gunnar Andersson discovered a ceramic pot labelled ‘Skopintull’. In this pot was found soil, burnt human and animal bones [Lund, Arwill-Nordbladh 2016: 429-430]. Furthermore, at the bottom of the pot was discovered an unburnt bird egg.
It should be mentioned that ‘Skopintull’ is one of the several Viking Age cremation graves in which were discovered remains of several different species of birds along with numerous species of mammals, elaborated objects and unburnt egg.
Lund J., Arwill-Nordbladh E. 2016: Divergent Ways of Relating to the Past in the Viking Age, European Journal of Archaeology 19 (3), pp. 415-438.
Rydh H. 1936: Förhistoriska undersökningar på Adelsö, Stockholm.
