Carbon dating of walrus bones found in Snæfellsnes peninsula indicates that the bones are at least 2000 years old. A large number of walrus skulls and walrus tusks have been found around Garðafjara beach on the south coast Snæfellsnes. The first skull was discovered 1884. All in all the bones of 50 walruses have been found, most in the past 50 years. Biologists argue this indicates Snæfellsnes was the home of a sizable walrus colony prior to the settlement of Iceland.

Walrus ivory was traded by Viking merchants who also used it to carve works of art. One of the most famous examples of Norse ivory are the Lewis chessmen, who are on display at the British Museum. The Lewis chessmen were discovered on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides north of Scotland. They are one of only a handful of full medieval chess sets ever found, carved out of walrus ivory and whale teeth. The Lewis chessmen are both one of the most important possessions of the British Museum, and certainly one of the most popular. The rooks are especially popular, as they are in the form of berserkers biting their shields.