In the medieval period, walrus ivory was a highly prized material in Europe, used to craft luxury items such as ornate religious artifacts and intricate game pieces like the famous Lewis chess pieces. The source of this ivory has long intrigued historians and archaeologists. Recent advances in ancient DNA analysis have shed light on the origins of walrus ivory artifacts found across Europe, revealing a significant connection to the Norse settlements in Greenland.
Cite this book chapter:
Kersten, Oliver, and Bastiaan Star. “Analyse av eldgammelt DNA viser opprinnelsen til elfenbein fra atlanterhavshvalross / Tracing the origins of Atlantic walrus ivory through ancient DNA analyses.” In Havets Elfenbein / Sea Ivories, ed. James H. Barrett and Ellen Grav. NTNU Vitenskapsmuseet, 2025.
