Runestone inscription revealed after excavation on Sandur

A runestone found during an excavation on Sandur is thought to read “…isle (x) rests here,” the National Museum announced, according to KVF. The inscription was revealed at an event in Brekkutún in Hoyvík on Friday.

Runologist Lisbeth M. Imer said it is uncertain whether the letter G appears before the name. “Gisle” was a common name during the period when the stone is believed to have been made, she said. The runestone most likely dates from the Middle Ages, between about 1100 and 1400.

Archaeologists also found other objects at the excavation site in Sondum, which they believe may be connected to religious activity. They said the remains could be those of a medieval prayer house.

Among the objects found in the building were a broken figure of Mary, an unidentified apostle made of pipe clay and holding a book bag, and a copper finger ring. The objects are all thought to date from about 1400 to 1500.

Barley grains dating from about 300 to 500 were also found at the site. National Museum archaeologist Helgi Michelsen said they are the oldest traces of people found in the Faroe Islands.