The amateur metal hunters contacted archeologists at Norway’s Arctic University Museum, who upon arriving at the site, ordered a full excavation. Now that recovery work is underway, the team has confirmed the site holds an unexpected scene: a Viking boat grave for a respected local woman buried with her beloved pet dog. Niemi added that while not unheard of, such a burial companion was rare in Viking culture. “We believe the woman buried here held significant status locally, and perhaps even across the region,” said Niemi. In the course of their excavation work, Niemi’s team found another brooch located multiple feet beyond the main grave.