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Unn Pedersen

Associate Professor - Archaeology

Email unn.pedersen@iakh.uio.no

Phone +47 22 85 02 81

Room 1.23

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Visiting address Blindernveien 11

Postal address Postboks 1008 Blindern 0316 Oslo

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Pedersen’s areas of research are non-ferrous metalworking, technology, crafts, economy and urbanisation. Her research is based on studies of artefacts from Viking Age and Migration Period graves and settlements, supported by archeaometallurgical analyses. She gives public lecturers several times a year, has participated in the production of exhibitions, presents her research regularly in media, and has published four children’s books, two of them being translated to English.

Pedersen is the project leader of HEI: Heritage Experience Initiative.

Background

Pedersen held the position as Head of External Relations at The Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History 2018-2020. 2011-2010 she headed Norgeshistorie.no, a public dissemination project at the University of Oslo. She was Finds Leader and had a PhD position in The Kaupang Excavation Project (2008–2000), has participated in numerous excavations (2000-1992) and has experience in teaching and supervising bachelor and master students from Aarhus University (2009) and the University of Oslo (2000–present). Pedersen has been editor in Chief of the journal Viking 2012-2013 and a member of the expert group of the Avaldsnes project.

Education

2010 Ph.D. University of Oslo. I smeltedigelen - Finsmedene i vikingtidsbyen Kaupang (Non-ferrous metalworkers in the Viking Age town Kaupang)

2000 Cand. philol. University of Oslo. Vektlodd - sikre vitnesbyrd om handelsvirksomhet? (Weights - unquestionable evidence of trade?)

Tags: Archaeology, Viking Age, Medieval Studies, Material culture, Craft

Moen, Marianne & Pedersen, Unn (2025). Framing gender in archaeology: Snapshots from a vast and varied field. In Moen, Marianne & Pedersen, Unn (Ed.), The Routledge Handbook of Gender Archaeology. Routledge. ISSN 9781032190648. p. 3–11. doi: 10.4324/9781003257530-2. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
We have chosen to introduce this handbook through a few different avenues, none of which follow a typical introduction template. We believe this is fitting and in line with the book to follow, which takes a slightly different path from an orthodox handbook of reviews and chronological overviews. Thus, inspired by Jane Eva Baxter’s chapter (this volume) that foregrounds an attitude of hope and gratitude, we first wish to offer our sincere thanks to our contributors, who together have both shaped our ambition to produce the book by their inspiring scholarship as well as produced the resulting pages. From here, we frame the background and influences that shaped the format of the book, before introducing the volume, with the aim of guiding readers into the text. Overall, the volume can both be read as a reference work in which one can jump into specific topics and equally it can be read as an overview (albeit a partial one) of a large, diverse, and flourishing field of study.
Kristoffersen, Elna Siv; Pedersen, Unn & Røstad, Ingunn Marit (2025). Den lille hesten fra Sande på Lista. In Hedenstierna-Jonson, Charlotte; Kjellström, Anna; Ljung, Cecilia & Qviström, Linda (Ed.), Fragment av föremål, platser, kroppar och ord: En vänbok tillägnad Torun Zachrisson. Uppsala universitet. ISSN 9789186145477. p. 66–67. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn; Kristoffersen, Elna Siv; Hanna, Nathalie & Gebremariam, Kidane Fanta (2025). Convergence of knowledge: The relief brooch from Jorenkjøl, south-western Norway. In Røstad, Ingunn Marit; Kristoffersen, Elna Siv; Reiersen, Håkon; Pedersen, Unn; Amundsen, Marie D. & Oehrl, Sigmund (Ed.), Technologies – Knowledges – Sustainability : Crafting societies in the first millennium CE : Proceedings of the 74th International Sachsensymposion in Stavanger, Norway. Arkeologisk Museum i Stavanger. ISSN 9788277602059. p. 39–49. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Through an interdisciplinary investigation carried out by four researchers we sought to increase knowledge of Migrationperiod technology and aesthetics. By combining our expertise in archaeology and material science in a detailed inspection of a 6th century brooch, we attempted to understand its life story and the convergence of knowledge behind the elaborate masterpiece. The reverse of the brooch revealed traces of use-wear and a remarkably well-preserved pin arrangement. The use of raw materials suggests a reorientation among artisans from animal ornaments to metals in the terminal phase of the Migration Period: The aesthetic qualities of our brooch are no longer dominated by the chaotic entangled masses of zoomorphic iconography, but rather replaced by a calmer expression of geometric shapes of contrasting colours and materials which highlight the qualities of the metals.
Pedersen, Unn & Moen, Marianne (2025). Children in Viking-age Worlds: Attempts at Narrating Past Lives. Childhood in the Past. ISSN 1758-5716. p. 13–13. doi: 10.1080/17585716.2025.2585707. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
The Scandinavian Viking Age maintains an enduring popularity, in popular culture and academic enquiry. It has also retained a tendency to showcase rather limited protagonists: adult male actors typically get the main share of attention. Children often become accessories in stories about adults, or adults-in-training. We challenge this one-sided and narrow story, first by accentuating existing research on Viking-age children, then by trying to fill the gaps by imagining how the world might have looked to children. Acknowledging that social divides created widely different childhood experiences we look to the writing of children’s literature for ways of seeing the world through the eyes of children. The main objective is to encourage attempts to populate the Viking world with more diverse social agents through storytelling and narration, accepting that children formed and acted in the world around them as agents and not just furniture in the lives of adults.
Pedersen, Unn; Moen, Marianne & Skogstrand, Lisbeth (2025). Gendering the Nordic Past. Dialogues Between Perspectives. In Pedersen, Unn; Moen, Marianne & Skogstrand, Lisbeth (Ed.), Gendering the Nordic Past : Dialogues between Perspectives. Brepols. ISSN 9782503608877. p. 11–21. doi: 10.1484/M.WOP-EB.5.144351. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2025). The Oseberg ship burial - commemorating leadership and joint effort. Viking - Norsk arkeologisk årbok. ISSN 0332-608X. Special volume 3, p. 211–230. doi: 10.5617/vikingsv.12205. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2025). Women in trade and exchange. In Smith, Michèle Hayeur & Sanmark, Alexandra (Ed.), The Hidden Lives of Viking Women: Archaeological and Historical Perspectives. Oxbow Books. ISSN 9798888571866. p. 59–78. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2025). Another story? Returning to the Oseberg Ship Burial. In Pedersen, Unn; Moen, Marianne & Skogstrand, Lisbeth (Ed.), Gendering the Nordic Past : Dialogues between Perspectives. Brepols. ISSN 9782503608877. p. 107–120. doi: 10.1484/M.WOP-EB.5.135552. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn & Kristoffersen, Elna Siv (2025). Imagining and gendering the past : Public outreach as a research method. In Moen, Marianne & Pedersen, Unn (Ed.), The Routledge Handbook of Gender Archaeology. Routledge. ISSN 9781032190648. p. 349–370. doi: 10.4324/9781003257530-29. Full text in Research Archive
Kristoffersen, Elna Siv & Pedersen, Unn (2024). A close-up view: Animal art and craft in times of change. In Zachrisson, Torun & Fischer, Svante (Ed.), Change : The shift from the Early to Late Scandinavian Iron Age in the first Millennium AD. Landesmuseen Braunschweig. ISSN 9789186145460. p. 241–252. Full text in Research Archive
Røstad, Ingunn Marit; Pedersen, Unn & Christophersen, Axel (2024). The Scandinavian (Late) Iron Age and Middle Ages. In Rehren, Thilo & Nikita, Efthymia (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Archaeology (second edition). Academic Press. ISSN 9780323907996. p. 744–755. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-90799-6.00203-2. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
In Scandinavian archaeology, the era between the 5th and the early 16th century is divided into two main periods: the Iron Age (CE 400–1050) and the Middle Ages (CE 1050–1537). The social and political development during these centuries was closely linked to contemporary European overall trajectories, while at the same time reflecting the particular geography of the region. Identities and mentalities, as well as political and economic ideas and practices were generated and transformed through interaction within an extended European area. Although an integrated part of Europe, Scandinavia evinced certain distinctive traits that became decisive for the historical processes of the region.
Kristoffersen, Elna Siv & Pedersen, Unn (2023). Kvalitetshåndverk og elitemiljøer. In Skre, Dagfinn & Stylegar, Frans-Arne Hedlund (Ed.), Herre og drott : konge og sjøkonge : Karmøyseminaret 2022. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202830977. p. 63–84. doi: 10.23865/noasp.211. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Nordsjøkysten fra Agder til Sogn, som åpner opp mot De britiske øyer og kontinentet, fremstår i folkevandringstiden som et kjerneområde for håndverksprodukter av høy kvalitet. Dette kommer til uttrykk gjennom konsentrasjoner av gjenstander i edelmetall med stil I-ornamentikk, keramikk og tekstiler, som brikkevevede bånd. Gjennom den geografiske spredningen av slike gjenstander vil vi diskuterer koblingen mellom denne typen håndverk og storgårder eller elitemiljøer – steder der forholdene lå til rette for utvikling av høvkvalitetsproduksjon. Koblingen blir diskutert gjennom funn som gir ulike innfallsvinkler til problemkomplekset. Dette er funn fra Jæren med både Tinghaugplatået i Klepp, et gravfunn fra Vestly og et depotfunn fra Oma, begge i Time, og et depotfunn fra Syre på Karmøys sørspiss. Vi vil vise at funnene, på hver sin måte, gir mulighet for å innsirkle håndverksmiljøer. Innledningsvis vil vi presentere premisser som er vesentlige for argumentasjonen og tolkningene.
Pedersen, Unn (2023). Early medieval metalwork in the Viking world. In Stang, Margrethe Cecilia Molland & Tillery, Laura (Ed.), The Medieval Scandinavian Art Reader. Scandinavian Academic Press. ISSN 9788230402986. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2023). The power of beauty. Primitive tider. ISSN 1501-0430. Spesialutgave, p. 173–182. doi: 10.5617/pt.10695. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
The power of beauty. The Oseberg ship burial and its finurlighet.
Amundsen, Marie D. & Pedersen, Unn (2022). Newsflash From Norway: 'Save the Viking Ships' petition still going strong. The European Archaeologist. ISSN 1022-0135. p. 18–24. Full text in Research Archive
Moen, Marianne; Price, Neil S. & Pedersen, Unn (2022). Archaeological knowledge production: Reading mortuary reconstructions. Antiquity. ISSN 0003-598X. 97(391), p. 231–240. doi: 10.15184/aqy.2022.166. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2022). Glimt av vikingtidens handelsnettverk i Vestfold og Telemark: små ting i en stor verden. In Loftsgarden, Kjetil & Rorgemoen, Dag (Ed.), Eidsborgbryne. Utmarksressurs og handelsvare i vikingtid og mellomalder. Museumsforlaget AS. ISSN 9788283051377. p. 57–87. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2020). Communication Through Creativity – The Vestfold School Revisited. In Pedersen, Anne & Sindbæk, Søren M. (Ed.), Viking encounters. Proceedings of the Eighteen Viking Congress. Aarhus Universitetsforlag. ISSN 9788771842654. p. 399–412. Full text in Research Archive
Kristoffersen, Siv & Pedersen, Unn (2020). Changing perspectives in southwest Norwegian Style I. In Martin, Toby & Morrison, Wendy (Ed.), Barbaric Splendour: The Use of Image Before and After Rome. Archaeopress. ISSN 9781789696592. p. 47–60. Full text in Research Archive
Jahnsen, Sofie Scheen & Pedersen, Unn (2020). HEI: Heritage Experience Initiative. Nicolay: Arkeologisk tidsskrift. ISSN 0332-8937. 132, p. 18–22. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2019). From bronze-casting to non-ferrous metalworking: complexity, choices and cooperation in urban Scandinavian Viking-Age workshops. In Ashby, Steven P. & Sindbæk, Søren M. (Ed.), Crafts and Social Networks in Viking Towns. Oxbow Books. ISSN 9781789251609. p. 231–250. doi: 10.2307/j.ctv138ws19.13. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn & Kristoffersen, Elna Siv (2019). To spenner fra samme hånd? Folkevandringstidens relieffspenner i detalj. Viking - Norsk arkeologisk årbok. ISSN 0332-608X. LXXXII, p. 119–134. doi: 10.5617/viking.7118. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Two brooches from the same hand? A detailed study of Migration Period relief brooches “From the same hand” is a phrase repeatedly used in studies of Migration Period brooches. We explore if it is possible to establish whether the same hand produced two strikingly similar, but yet different, relief brooches from Sogn and Fjordane. Building on current knowledge on manufacture, a hypothetical sequence of variation is set forward, before comparing the two items in detail. Striking similarities in the layout could be explained by reuse of a tool when making the second brooch, or mechanical copying. Minor differences are most likely the result of final adjustment of one or both of the wax models used to produce the clay mould. Due to slightly different signatures in the final touches on the model, we conclude, in contrast to earlier research, that the two brooches are from different hands. However, the most striking decorative elements, three masks and the disc on the bow, are individually made, thus at first glance the two brooches look more different than they actually are. To explore the seemingly deliberate combination of similarities and differences is a topic for future research.
Pedersen, Unn & Kristoffersen, Siv (2018). A Scandinavian Relief Brooch: Artistic Vision and Practical Method Combined. Medieval Archaeology. ISSN 0076-6097. 62(2), p. 219–236. doi: 10.1080/00766097.2018.1535384. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
THIS PAPER considers the craftspeople that created ornamental metalwork, the contexts in which they operated, and the communication they had with their contemporaries. The study focuses on the Dalem brooch, a 6th-century Scandinavian relief brooch from Norway. By examining an object which expresses a complex symbolic language through intricate and demanding crafting processes, we emphasise the importance of considering both ornamentation and technology when studying these exquisite dress items. The brooch was manufactured from a variety of materials and decorated in Salin Style 1. This ornamentation, with its religious, political and social connotations, was completely integrated into the object from its conception. A combination of new and old designs indicates that the craftspeople purposefully created and transformed motifs for use on the brooch, operating within a creative, cross-disciplinary and intellectual centre of expertise.
Pedersen, Unn (2017). Viking-period non-ferrous metalworking and urban commodity production. In Glørstad, Ann Zanette Tsigaridas & Loftsgarden, Kjetil (Ed.), Viking-Age Transformations: Trade, Craft and Resources in Western Scandinavia. Routledge. ISSN 9781472470775. p. 124–138. doi: 10.4324/9781315548197-7. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2017). Hva er faglitterær formidling for barn? Fakta forskning og fantasi. Nicolay: Arkeologisk tidsskrift. ISSN 0332-8937. p. 37–42. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Mange har fått sin første formidlingserfaring som arkeologistudenter, og jeg er blant dem. Først som omviser for skoleklasser på Historisk museum, og så et møte med elever fra Ruste skole på en av mine første utgravninger. Elever som var ute med Den kulturelle skolesekken under Kaupang-undersøkelsen 2000–2002 stilte mange morsomme, kritiske og reflekterte spørsmål (Melsom 2006). Med spørsmålene kom drømmen om å skrive en barnebok om vikingtidens Kaupang. Den hadde neppe blitt realisert uten et tilfeldig møte med en forlagsredaktør, og deretter et stipend fra Norsk faglitterær forfatter- og oversetterforening (NFF). Stipendet for å skrive faglitteratur for barn og unge ga meg tid til å skrive boken – og en bekreftelse på at andre hadde tro på prosjektet mitt. Nå har én bok blitt til tre og stipend fra NFF har vært vesentlig for samtlige (Pedersen 2009, 2013, 2017). NFF bekreftet nylig at de har mottatt den tredje boken og omfangsberegnet sakprosadelen til 23 sider, til tross for at boken har omtrent dobbelt så mange sider med tekst. En god del av det jeg har skrevet faller følgelig utenfor det NFF regner som sakprosa. Slik kom inspirasjonen til denne artikkelen – og spørsmålet: Hva er faglitteratur for barn?
Pedersen, Unn (2017). Vikingtidskvinner i maktens innerste sirkel. In Kjesrud, Karoline & Løkka, Nanna (Ed.), Dronningen i vikingtid og middelalder. Scandinavian Academic Press. ISSN 9788230401828. p. 98–125. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2016). Non-ferrous metalworking in Viking Age Scandinavia: A question of mobility. In Turner, Val E.; Owen, Olwyn A. & Waugh, Doreen J. (Ed.), Shetland and the Viking World. Papers from the Seventeenth Viking Congress, Lerwick. Shetland Heritage Publications. ISSN 9780993274039. p. 263–269. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn; Andersen, Tom; Simonsen, Siri Lene & Erambert, Muriel (2016). Lead isotope analysis of pewter mounts from from the Viking ship burial at Gokstad: On the origin and use of raw materials. Archaeometry. ISSN 0003-813X. 58, p. 148–163. doi: 10.1111/arcm.12222. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2015). Leadworking in Viking-Age Norway. In Eriksen, Marianne Hem; Pedersen, Unn; Rundberget, Bernt; Axelsen, Irmelin & Berg, Heidi Lund (Ed.), Viking Worlds. Things, spaces, and movement. Oxbow Books. ISSN 9781782977278. p. 179–197. doi: 10.2307/j.ctvh1dgwk.16. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2015). Urban craftspeople at Viking-age Kaupang. In Hansen, Gitte; Ashby, Steven P. & Baug, Irene (Ed.), Everyday Products in the Middle Ages: Crafts, Consumption and the Individual in Northern Europe c. AD 800-1600. Oxbow Books. ISSN 9781782978053. p. 51–68. doi: 10.2307/j.ctvh1dtfs.8. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
The medieval marketplace is a familiar setting in popular and academic accounts of the Middle Ages, but we actually know very little about the people involved in the transactions that took place there, how their lives were influenced by those transactions, or about the complex networks of individuals whose actions allowed raw materials to be extracted, hewn into objects, stored and ultimately shipped for market. Twenty diverse case studies combine leading edge techniques and novel theoretical approaches to illuminate the identities and lives of these much overlooked ordinary people, painting of a number of detailed portraits to explore the worlds of actors involved in the lives of everyday products - objects of bone, leather, stone, ceramics, and base metal - and their production and use in medieval northern Europe. In so doing, this book seeks to draw attention away from the emergent trend to return to systems and global models, and restore to centre stage what should be the archaeologist’s most important concern: the people of the past.
Pedersen, Unn (2015). Noe for enhver smak - smykkeproduksjon i vikingtidsbyene. In Risvaag, Jon Anders; Berge, Ragnhild & Brattli, Terje (Ed.), Inn i fortida - ut i verden - i museet!. Museumsforlaget AS. ISSN 9788283050196. p. 52–60. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2015). På den andre siden - smykkehåndverket bak Dalemspennen. In Hedeager, Lotte & Forseth, Lars (Ed.), Dalemfunnet. Kulturhistorisk museum, Universitetet i Oslo. ISSN 9788280842039. p. 37–46. Full text in Research Archive
Madsen, Hans Jørgen; Pedersen, Unn; Roesdahl, Else & Sindbæk, Søren Michael (2014). Small objects and personal equipment. In Roesdahl, Else; Sindbæk, Søren Michael; Pedersen, Anne & Wilson, David M. (Ed.), Aggersborg. The Viking-Age settlement and fortress. National Museum of Denmark/ Jutland Archaeological Society. ISSN 9788788415872. p. 262–278. Full text in Research Archive
Madsen, Hans Jørgen; Pedersen, Unn; Roesdahl, Else & Sindbæk, Søren Michael (2014). Mindre inventar og personlige ejendele. In Roesdahl, Else; Sindbæk, Søren Michael & Pedersen, Anne (Ed.), Aggersborg i vikingetiden. Bebyggelsen og borgen. Nationalmuseet/ Jysk Arkæologisk Selskab. ISSN 9788788415865. p. 314–329. Full text in Research Archive

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Røstad, Ingunn Marit; Kristoffersen, Elna Siv; Reiersen, Håkon; Pedersen, Unn; Amundsen, Marie D. & Oehrl, Sigmund (2025). Technologies – Knowledges – Sustainability : Crafting societies in the first millennium CE : Proceedings of the 74th International Sachsensymposion in Stavanger, Norway. Arkeologisk Museum i Stavanger. ISBN 9788277602059. 232 p. Full text in Research Archive
Moen, Marianne & Pedersen, Unn (2025). The Routledge Handbook of Gender Archaeology. Routledge. ISBN 9781032190648. 466 p. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn; Moen, Marianne & Skogstrand, Lisbeth (2025). Gendering the Nordic Past : Dialogues between Perspectives. Brepols. ISBN 9782503608877. 261 p. Full text in Research Archive
Kristoffersen, Siv & Pedersen, Unn (2021). Det magiske smykket. En fortelling om tre gravhauger fra folkevandringstiden. Gyldendal Norsk Forlag A/S. ISBN 9788205548657. 64 p. Full text in Research Archive
Aannestad, Hanne Lovise; Pedersen, Unn; Moen, Marianne; Naumann, Elise & Berg, Heidi Lund (2020). Vikings Across Boundaries Viking-Age Transformations – Volume II. Routledge. ISBN 9780367364526. 328 p. doi: 10.4324/9780429346194. Full text in Research Archive
Eriksen, Marianne Hem; Pedersen, Unn; Rundberget, Bernt; Axelsen, Irmelin & Berg, Heidi Lund (2019). Viking Worlds: Things, Spaces and Movement [Paperback edition]. Oxbow Books. ISBN 9781789252101. 250 p. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2017). Vikingdronningens grav. Gyldendal Norsk Forlag A/S. ISBN 9788205490000. 58 p. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2016). Into the Melting Pot: Non-ferrous Metalworkers in Viking-period Kaupang. Aarhus Universitetsforlag. ISBN 9788779343108. 222 p. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2016). The Viking Town. Gyldendal Norsk Forlag A/S. ISBN 9788205496965. 64 p. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2016). The Viking Farm. Gyldendal Norsk Forlag A/S. ISBN 9788205496958. 64 p. Full text in Research Archive
Eriksen, Marianne Hem; Pedersen, Unn; Rundberget, Bernt; Axelsen, Irmelin & Berg, Heidi Lund (2015). Viking Worlds. Things, spaces, and movement. Oxbow Books. ISBN 9781782977278. 250 p. Full text in Research Archive

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Sand-Eriksen, Anette; Axelsen, Irmelin & Pedersen, Unn (2026). #34 Folkeforskning i arkeologi - Arkeologi på rappen | Podcast on Spotify. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
En Arkeologi på rappen SPESIAL: Hvem eier egentlig fortiden? Folkeforskning ble et sentralt tema i utgave 27 av Primitive tider – nå går vi i dybden. I denne første episoden utforsker vi sammen med Irmelin Axelsen (Kulturhistorisk museum) og Unn Pedersen (UiO) hvordan frivillig innsats har formet norsk arkeologi fra 1800-tallet og helt frem til i dag. Hvilke muligheter og utfordringer har det skapt – og hvor kan veien gå videre?
Pedersen, Unn (2026). Mektige vikingkvinner har blitt oversett i forskningen. [Journal]. Kilden. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2026). Stakeholder archaeology. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2026). Kvinner og makt i vikingtiden. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2026). Hva mer kan vi forske på når det gjelder funnene fra Oseberghaugen? Full text in Research Archive
Tveit, Miriam; Pedersen, Unn; Wærdahl, Randi Bjørshol & Spurkland, Marte (2024). Kvinners makt i mellomalderen - samtale mellom forskere. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Korleis levde kvinner i mellomalderen i Noreg? Kva slags makt hadde dei, og kva slags vern hadde dei gjennom lovverket? Magnus Lagabøtes landslov av 1274 var godt nytt for norske kvinner. Med denne lova fekk alle kvinner arverett og eit sterkare rettsvern mot vald. Kjelder fortel at kvinner brukte lova for å vinne fram i retten. Men det skulle likevel ikkje mykje til for at kvinner blei hardt straffa viss dei tråkka utanfor normer og lover. Dei kunne bli gjort arvelause viss dei gifta seg med nokon andre enn det giftingsmannen gav råd om. Utruskap fekk rettslege konsekvensar. Vi dykkar inn i livet til mellomalderkvinna – for å lære meir om ho som borgar, kone, dotter og rettssubjekt – og har samla nokre av dei fremste forskarane i landet: historikar Miriam Tveit, arkeolog Unn Pedersen og historikar Randi Bjørshol Wærdahl. Ordstyrar for kvelden er redaktør og forfattar Marte Spurkland.
Heide, Eldar & Pedersen, Unn (2023). 20. Oseberg- og Gokstad-gravene. Samtale med arkeolog Unn Pedersen. [Radio]. Podkasten Tru og meiningi gammal tid. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2023). Gendering Iron Age Scandinavia: Archaeological storytelling for kids. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2023). Håndverksvirksomheten i vikingbyen. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2023). Gendering the Nordic Past: The role of the past in the construction of present Nordic identities. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2023). Oseberg – another story. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2023). Osebergfunnene og vikingenes vakre verden. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2023). Ribe – Kaupang connections. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2023). Kvinnene i Osebergskipet. Full text in Research Archive
Kristoffersen, Elna Siv & Pedersen, Unn (2023). REINVESTIGATING WORKSHOP TRADITIONS ALONG THE NORWEGIAN WEST COAST: CREATIVITY AND COPYING. Full text in Research Archive
Kristoffersen, Elna Siv; Pedersen, Unn & Røstad, Ingunn Marit (2023). New Relief Brooches from Norway. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2022). Oseberg - Crafting communities and expressive objects. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2022). Oseberg. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2022). Vestfolds vikingtidsverksteder. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2021). Another story: Returning to Oseberg. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2021). Creativity and copying in non-ferrous metalworking. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2021). Handelsnettverk og handelsstedsutvikling i tidlig vikingtid. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2021). Kaupangs gravfelt: en vandring i vikingbyen. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2021). Vestfolds vikingtidsverksteder. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2021). Kunnskapen bak en relieffspenne. In Kristoffersen, Siv & Pedersen, Einar Solheim (Ed.), Kreativitet & kunnskap. Krigersmed og husfrue i eldre jernalder.. Arkeologisk museum, Universitetet i Stavanger. ISSN 9788277601922. p. 28–30. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2020). A shiny brooch and its secrets. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2020). Gripedyret: En artig liten krabat. In Røstad, Ingunn Marit; Aannestad, Hanne Lovise; Elliott, Kathrine & Mansrud, Anja (Ed.), Fabelaktige dyr - fra jernalder og vikingtid. Ingunn M. Røstad, Hanne L. Aannestad, Katherine Elliott og Anja Mansrud (red.).. Kulturhistorisk Museum. p. 59–63. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2020). The gripping beast: A curious little critter, Fabulous animals - from the Iron Age to the Vikings. Universitetet i Oslo. ISSN 9788280842121. p. 59–63. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2019). Urban Viking women. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2019). A perspective from the North. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2019). Female Power in the Viking Age. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2019). Osebergbegravelsen og hva den kan fortelle om mektige vikingtidskvinner. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2019). Formidling som forskningsmetode. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2019). Vikingbyene som forsvant. Full text in Research Archive
Kristoffersen, Siv & Pedersen, Unn (2018). In close-up view: Animal art and crafts in times of change. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2018). Urban Vikings with global networks. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2018). Byene som forsvant. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2018). Birkakrigeren. Nemi. ISSN 1651-3436. p. 20–23. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2018). Urban Viking women: life in Kaupang in Skiringssal. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2017). Vikingtiden. Full text in Research Archive
Pedersen, Unn (2017). Ny bok: Vikingdronningens grav. [Radio]. NRK Vestfold. Full text in Research Archive
Sigurdsson, Jon Vidar & Pedersen, Unn (2015). Landet blir kristnet. Norgeshistorie.no. Full text in Research Archive
Sigurdsson, Jon Vidar & Pedersen, Unn (2015). Rane, bytte, kjøpe, gi. Norgeshistorie.no. Full text in Research Archive
Sigurdsson, Jon Vidar & Pedersen, Unn (2015). Fangst, jern og serieproduksjon. Norgeshistorie.no. Full text in Research Archive
Sigurdsson, Jon Vidar & Pedersen, Unn (2015). Samlingen av «Norge». Norgeshistorie.no. Full text in Research Archive
Sigurdsson, Jon Vidar & Pedersen, Unn (2015). Fra høvdingdømmer til kongedømme. Norgeshistorie.no. Full text in Research Archive
Eriksen, Marianne Hem; Pedersen, Unn; Rundberget, Bernt; Axelsen, Irmelin & Berg, Heidi Lund (2015). Exploring Viking Worlds. In Eriksen, Marianne Hem; Pedersen, Unn; Rundberget, Bernt; Axelsen, Irmelin & Berg, Heidi Lund (Ed.), Viking Worlds. Things, spaces, and movement. Oxbow Books. ISSN 9781782977278. Full text in Research Archive
Sigurdsson, Jon Vidar & Pedersen, Unn (2015). Vikingferdene. Norgeshistorie.no. Full text in Research Archive
Sigurdsson, Jon Vidar & Pedersen, Unn (2015). Religioner møtes i vikingtiden. Norgeshistorie.no. Full text in Research Archive
Sigurdsson, Jon Vidar & Pedersen, Unn (2015). Vikingenes vakre verden. Norgeshistorie.no. Full text in Research Archive
Sigurdsson, Jon Vidar & Pedersen, Unn (2015). Vikingtidsbyen Kaupang. Norgeshistorie.no. Full text in Research Archive
Sigurdsson, Jon Vidar & Pedersen, Unn (2015). Den vennlige vikingen. Norgeshistorie.no. Full text in Research Archive
Sigurdsson, Jon Vidar & Pedersen, Unn (2015). Den mangfoldige vikingtidsgården. Norgeshistorie.no. Full text in Research Archive
Sigurdsson, Jon Vidar & Pedersen, Unn (2015). Treller, bønder og elite. Norgeshistorie.no. Full text in Research Archive
Pettersen, Aina Margrethe Heen; Callanan, Martin; Wærdahl, Randi Bjørshol & Pedersen, Unn (2022). Farin Vestir and back: Social and Itinerary Perspectives on Insular objects in Viking-Age Norway. Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet. ISSN 9788232661312. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Summary My article-based Ph.D. in archaeology examines the evolving contacts from Norway to Britain and Ireland during the Viking Age and the social impact of westwards journeys and interactions back in the Viking homelands. This is done through a study of the itineraries and biographies of approx. 400 Insular (British and Irish) objects, combined with information drawn from various written sources. In terms of contact, the study has enabled a broader understanding of the earliest phase of direct contact across the North Sea, by focusing on the corpus of 16 early burials with Insular grave goods. By combining archaeological data with theoretical concepts which focuse on how new and unfamiliar landscapes were settled, the study proposes an interaction model emphasising the importance of maritime mobility and environmental learning as a pre-condition for the Viking expansion at the very start of the period. Based on the art-styles of the Insular objects, the first generations of Vikings travelling overseas from Norway appear to have concentrated their efforts in Ireland or the Irish Sea region. Moving to the later part of the Viking Age, this thesis has further shown how the Scandinavian ambitions in Anglo-Saxon England from the late 9th century onwards are manifested in the archaeological material through the introduction of specific types of material culture: Inset lead weights and Anglo-Saxon swords. Both artefact types can be linked to the Viking milieus in Insular areas, and their itineraries points towards a ‘Norway-Danelaw’ contact axis which is known from written sources, but which has largely been unrecognised in previous studies of Insular imports. The continued use of Insular metalwork into the 10th century further demonstrates the dynamics and flexibility of how Insular material was incorporated into shifting practices in a long-term perspective, reflecting a changed political landscape and new economic logic. Finally, and when considering the social impact of the westward expeditions, this study has focused on the roles and identities held by some of the women buried with significant pieces of Insular material. It is argued that Insular imports were more than mere gifts and souvenirs: they were objects with distinctive materiality and biographies linked to women, who in different ways were involved in the planning and execution of long-distant enterprises. By relating the Insular imports to ritual and social practices, the capacities of the women buried with such are lifted further into the sociopolitical and public spheres. Sammendrag Avhandlingen undersøker utviklingen i kontaktflaten fra Norge til England og Irland under vikingtiden og den sosiale virkningen av disse reisene i norrøne samfunn i Scandinavia. Dette gjøres gjennom en studie av biografiene til ca. 400 insulære (britiske og irske) objekter, kombinert med informasjon fra ulike skriftlige kilder. Studien har muliggjort en bredere forståelse av den tidligste fasen av direkte kontakt over Nordsjøen, gjennom en undersøkelse av tidlige graver med insulære funn. Ved å kombinere arkeologiske data med teoretiske konsepter som undersøker menneskelig tilnærming til ukjente geografiske landskap, foreslår studien en interaksjonsmodell som understreker betydningen av maritim mobilitet og ‘enviromental knowledge’ i den tidligste fasen av vikingetiden. Dekorelementene på det Insulære gjenstandsmaterialet fra Norge tyder på at den tidligste kontakten frem til midten av 8oo-tallet har vært konsentrert til Irland eller Irskesjøområdet. Det geografiske fokuset endrer seg imidlertid i løpet av perioden, og oppgaven viser hvordan de skandinaviske ambisjonene i England fra ca 860/870 og fremover kommer til uttrykk i det arkeologiske materialet i Norge gjennom introduksjonen av ny former av materiell kultur bestående av innfelte blylodd og angelsaksiske sverd. Begge gjenstandstypene kan knyttes til vikingmiljø i angelsaksiske områder, og deres reiseruter peker mot en «Norge-Danelag» kontaktakse som skjennes fra skriftlige kilder, men som ikke tidligere har vært identifisert i det arkeologiske materiale. Videre undersøker avhandlingen den sosiale virkningen av de vestlige ekspedisjonene ved å diskutere de sosiale rollene til noen av kvinnene som ble begravet med Insulære gjenstander. Ved å undersøke hvordan importfunnene ble innlemmet i norrøne praksiser, argumenteres det for at dette var gjenstander med særegen materialitet og biografier knyttet til kvinner som på forskjellige måter var involvert i planlegging og gjennomføring av ekspedisjoner.

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Published Jan. 3, 2017 4:10 PM - Last modified Aug. 19, 2025 10:01 AM

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Unn Pedersen

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