The whale bone slab was found in a female grave at Skei in Sparbu. The deceased must have been very wealthy. The burial mound had an oval shape, measuring 4.5 by 14.5 meters, and the body was accompanied by many rare and exclusive gifts. In addition to this whale bone slab, there was jewellery, brooches, beads, textiles, small chests, knives and other decorated objects. Archaeologists believe that these slabs with carvings and handles on the side were used as ironing boards to straighten out textiles, or as cutting and serving boards for food.