[MR] History Blog: Norse Artifacts From Melting Ice

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends, Especially Vikings and Fiber Arts Mavens,

Earlier this week the History Blog offered a feature on Norway's Lendbreen
Ice Patch has been coughing up all sorts of artifacts dating from before
Roman times into the 16th century.

The patch is in a pass over the Lomseggen Ridge which allowed access to
high-level pastures. Artifacts show it was in use even before recorded
history, but the route reached its peak of activity around 1000 CE during
the Viking era. Many of the artifacts are remnants of horse transport,
including shoes, bits, dung, and the occasional skull. There are also
pieces of sleds, snowshoes, and all sorts of other goodies.

Clothing mavens take note! Recently an intact Roman-era wool tunic emerged
from the ice. The garment is the oldest known in Norway. A delightful video
accompanies the History Blog story, showing how this tunic was found, how
wood was harvested from some very personable sheep, and how a replica tunic
was made. Spinning wool on a drop spindle and weaving on an upright loom
are techniques still in use long into our SCA period. But imagine 760 hours
of labor to make one garment!

The History Blog story and the video are found at
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/58379 .

An story from SCIENCE MAGAZINE with additional facts can be found at
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/04/hidden-viking-trade-route-emerges-melting-ice-norway
.

At least some good can come from climate change.

Yours Aye,


Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆