Unearthed during ongoing excavations at the historical Fjörður farm site, the small figurine measures approximately two inches long and just over one inch wide1. Carved from volcanic tuff, a soft local rock, the artifact depicts a four-legged animal and can stand upright on a flat surface despite having a chipped ear1. Dr. Ragnheiður Traustadóttir, director of the Antikva archaeological team leading the excavation, emphasized the rarity of finding children's toys in Viking archaeological sites, stating, "Children are not so visible in the Viking Age, so this is an amazing find"12.

The exact identity of the animal depicted by the Viking Age toy has sparked debate among archaeologists and the public. Initially, most team members suggested it could be a pig or a bear, with the latter being less likely given Iceland's lack of native bear species1. However, some social media users proposed it might represent an Icelandic dog12. Dr. Traustadóttir, who owned an Icelandic dog for 14 years, expressed skepticism about this theory, stating, "When you hold the object, it doesn't seem like a dog"1. The figurine's ambiguous features have led to ongoing discussions, highlighting the challenges in interpreting ancient artifacts and the diverse perspectives that can arise from such discoveries.

The Fjörður excavation, initially planned as a two-year project, has now extended into its fifth summer due to the wealth of historical artifacts uncovered1. This archaeological site has yielded over 4,000 artifacts spanning more than 1,000 years of Icelandic history1. Notable discoveries include:

• Nearly 100 Viking game pieces from "hnefatafl"

• Spindle whorls and rock crystals

• 70 chess piece fragments

• A stone-lined pit containing numerous bones, including whale bones

• A farm mound, mill, and sheep shed from the 18th to 20th centuries

• Medieval remains

• Four Viking Age graves buried beneath an 11th-century landslide

Archaeologists have dated these findings by analyzing layers of ash from volcanic eruptions that have occurred since human settlement in Iceland1. The excavation is set to conclude soon, with the team focusing on exploring the ancient settlement's floors and preparing to study the recovered artifacts1.

The discovery of this Viking Age toy provides a rare glimpse into the lives of children during a period when they are often underrepresented in the archaeological record. Such finds are particularly significant as they humanize ancient societies, offering insights into family life and childhood experiences in Viking settlements1. The toy's craftsmanship, using locally available volcanic tuff, demonstrates the resourcefulness of Viking artisans and their ability to create playthings from materials at hand2. Additionally, this artifact contributes to the broader understanding of Viking material culture, complementing other discoveries at the Fjörður site such as game pieces and chess fragments, which collectively paint a more comprehensive picture of daily life and leisure activities in Viking Age Iceland12.