This intricate whalebone plaque was found at woman’s burial site and situated close to the body along with a pair of oval brooches and glass beads. According to Jane Kershaw, women and their styles of dress influenced and portrayed various identities within Norse cultures. The intricacies shown on this plaque reaffirm the prominent role of outfits in such societies, and the indication of status that goes along with it.

The plaque is carved from the bone of a whale, which were important animals in Norse cultures for the diverse ways in which their bodies were used. It is decorated with a pair of openwork horse heads in profile at the top and complex ring-and-dot geometric designs along the main body.

It is commonly thought that such plaques were used as boards for smoothing creases in linen clothing and improve appearance. However, some alternative thoughts suggest that they could have used as a chopping tool or serving board. One similarly shaped whalebone item found in Greenland was believed to have been used for digging.

While the exact use of this object is unclear, it encourages the idea of clothing as culture and status. The positioning of the plaque in a female burial site near other, more well-known material cultural markers such as brooches and glass beads suggests that it was used to enhance the woman’s appearance, correlating to social and ethnic identities.1

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