"Archaeologists have unearthed a 9th century skeleton in Trndelag, Norway, buried with two scallop shells on each side of the mouth. This feature is completely unique on the Norwegian archaeological record. The only other possible examples are scallop shell fragments discovered in seven or eight graves in western Norway more than a century ago, and they were so small and scattered they could have been natural parts of the sandy soil."
"There was also a small ring brooch that was used to close the gap in her petticoat. Small bones from birds, likely the remains of wings, were found around the skeleton. Archaeologists believe the bird wings may have been sewn to a garment or blanket and the bones are all that's left of it. Another possibility is that she was laid to rest on a bed of feathered wings not attached to a textile."
A 9th-century skeleton was excavated in Trøndelag, Norway, in a shallow grave containing two scallop shells placed at the mouth, a feature unique in Norwegian records. Small scallop fragments previously reported in western Norway were minimal and possibly natural. The grave, 15–20 cm deep, was partly damaged by a later ditch that broke the legs, while the rest remained preserved but threatened by acidic soil and ongoing agriculture. Grave goods indicate a likely high-status married woman, including large oval cup brooches and a small ring brooch. Small bird bones, probably wing remains, suggest sewn wings on clothing or a bed of feathers.
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