An archeology of moments: Christian conversion and practice in a medieval household cemetery

Abstract

The Christian conversion of Iceland in A.D. 1000 was accompanied by distinct changes in religious practice and ritual places. In the following century, household cemeteries were established at many farms. Examining the early Christian household cemetery at Seyla in northern Iceland, we explore how the establishment, usage, and closure of these cemeteries provide an opportunity to examine how the new religion was realized in Icelandic society. At the same time Seyla represents cemetery management at a household level, which provides rarely witnessed household level social actions. The individual moments discussed can be used to enlighten the agency of family as well as its realization of the social and religious changes of the 11th century. Here, we argue that the isolation and discussion of these specific archeological moments at Seyla add to our understanding of the experiences and actions of early Christian households during a time of religious transformation.