Women in the Viking Era: The World of Shield Maidens

In honor of Women’s History Month, Kokoro Art Gallery and Creative Lounge will present an exhibit exploring the world of Viking Shield Maidens. For centuries, it was assumed that Viking Warriors were fierce and brave men.  When a complete Viking warrior burial site was discovered in Birka, Sweden in 1900, the remains of the warrior were assumed to be male.  DNA testing conducted in 2018, revealed that the remains of the warrior were, in fact, female, confirming a long-held myth that women in the Viking era fought alongside their male counterparts. The female Viking warriors were known as Shield Maidens and were just as fierce and brave as the men they fought beside.

Artists Morokia and Kristin Persson will present new paintings exploring the Viking Shield Maidens as well as some Nordic goddesses. Information about Shield Maidens will be presented along with images of Viking runes and other art forms.

Paintings and drawings by Kristin Persson of women and the female form will also be included in the exhibit. Come and honor female ancestors as well as the current women in your life in the opening on March 29.