Further information:
In grave no. 30, excavated by Oluf Rygh in 1870, the only sewing needle from Veien was found. It is 12,5 cm long - at one end it has a pointed oval eye, while the outer tip is broken off. 

Earlier needles were made from bone and antler, later from bronze and iron. Tools for handicraft, such as leather and textile work is often interpreted as belonging to the female sphere. When we find items like sewing needles and other textile tools, it is natural to assume that these are female graves.    

However, it wasn't just women who were buried with tools for textile work or other household items. The production and repair of everyday clothing and footwear were skills that most people possessed, even though this is not always evident in their graves.