This site yielded a number of artifacts, including a stone lamp and bone pin. A bronze ring–headed pin was found. This type of pin was common in Viking times. It allowed one to fasten a cloak over the shoulder. This left an arm free to wield a sword or axe.

A soapstone spindle whorl was also found. This tool was used to make clothing from sheep’s wool. Fleece was twisted into yarn. The sagas told of women being brought to the colonies. The presence of the whorl indicates the presence of women and livestock at L’Anse aux Meadows.

The artifacts were similar to those of former Viking settlements in Greenland. The houses also appeared similar in structure. Carbon dating of the artifacts showed them to be roughly 1000 years old. This would have dated them to the time of the Vikings.

There has been some debate as to whether L’Anse aux Meadows was the Vinland from the Norse sagas. Wild grapes have never grown that far north. Also, the Vikings would erect stones with runic symbols carved on them. These were placed in memory of those who had died. No rune–stones were found at L’Anse aux Meadows. This indicates a short–term transit site, rather than a colony. One thing we can be sure of is that L’Anse aux Meadows was an active Viking port.