Purpose and Scope
The purpose of this document is to act as the official guide for Reenactment Authenticity within the Vikings of Bjornstad. All standards and guidelines will remain in effect until officially edited and a new Authenticity Guide is published; the exception being in the case of safety, or conflict with State Laws, National Laws and/or Ordinances.
This guide will act as the basic standard for all individuals participating in Viking reenactment within The Vikings of Bjornstad.
General Guidelines
The goal of this guide is to encourage and improve historical authenticity at reenactment and public events. Please consider this to be a living document. If you find any items not listed or as not being allowed, it is because of a general lack of sources. If you have a source that supports any item not allowed or listed, please contact the Authenticity Officer with your pertinent information. We are more than happy to change the guide accordingly. Each change will be judged on a case by case basis, by the Authenticity Officer and The Vikings of Bjornstad Jarl, using this guide and extant archaeological / historical finds. Also see Experimental Archaeology, below.
As we strive towards a more accurate and historical appearance, we ask our participants to minimize modern elements such as starkly dyed hair (which should be covered), piercings (taken out or covered, if visible), tattoos (which should be covered, if visible) and excessive make up (which should be avoided). Other items such as medical equipment (hearing aids and insulin pumps, etc.) should be covered to the greatest possible extent. We ask our participants to use contact lenses whenever possible, or at least wire or no frame glasses. We ask our participants to re-enact the social gender of their choice and not to mix the two, other than in ways indicated in historical and archaeological sources. The Viking Age of 793-1066 AD was also, as far as we know, a hierarchical one. An individual’s clothing and personal items reflected that individual’s status and class. We therefore request our participants to keep their appearance in concert with their intended status. In other words, no peasants with swords and no richly dressed persons without shoes will be allowed. If your re-enactment focuses on any other region than Viking Age Europe, please contact us directly as these guidelines center on the “Viking” ethos.
A note on clothing in the Viking Age...aside from what is listed below, keep in mind that there are geographical considerations to what you are wearing. Is your clothing from the same area or are you mix and matching? If you are, be prepared to tell how you might be wearing a Rus kaftan in Ireland. Also, there are 6 styles of Viking art that correspond to different time periods within the Viking Age. If you’re portraying an 8th century Viking you shouldn’t be wearing jewelry from the end of the Viking Age. Please be consistent with your Viking kit, jewelry and clothing items.
Viking Age Art Styles
The art of the Viking Age is organized into a loose sequence of stylistic phases which, despite significant overlap in style and chronology, may be defined and distinguished on account both of formal design elements and of recurring compositions and motifs:
Primary Art Styles:
|
 Primary source: Eigenes Werk, Doppellizensierung: GFDL und Creative Commons CC-BY 2.5, siehe unten |
Experimental Archaeology
Experimental archaeology (also called experiment archaeology and experiential archaeology) is a field of study which attempts to generate and test archaeological hypotheses, usually by replicating or approximating the feasibility of ancient cultures performing various tasks or feats. -Wikipedia
In many instances we do not have enough concrete knowledge, available from extant archaeological finds, to make an accurate and informed decision as to whether or not the Vikings did something or used a particular object in their daily lives. Archaeologists and others will sometimes utilize the methodology of experimental archaeology to see if something would have been possible to do or make in the Viking Age, given other examples of textiles or woodwork. As sometimes researchers ourselves, we often extrapolate upon this information to determine a specific outcome based on available materials. While this is not hard archaeological evidence, it is certainly plausible that the Vikings may have done or used things that we currently have no visible record or supporting findings.
In such an instance, it may be possible to utilize objects of experimental archaeology in Viking reenactment, with the caveat that when describing or presenting the object, a disclaimer must be made that the object is not an accurate representation of Viking era findings, but a modern experiment based on historical and archaeological information.
Some Useful Links:
General clothing: http://vikingageclothing.susannabroome.se/
Female headdresses: https://ciarsstitchintime.wordpress.com/2013/10/24/viking-age-head-coverings/
Smokkrs (apron dresses): http://urd.priv.no/viking/smokkr.html
Trousers: http://urd.priv.no/viking/bukser.html
Leg wraps: http://miklagard.nvg.org.au/articles/legwraps1.htm
Shoes: http://www.personal.utulsa.edu/~marc-carlson/shoe/SLIST2.HTM
Tablet-woven bands: https://www.pinterest.se/susannabroom/viking-age-clothing-tablet-woven-braids/
Fabric colors: https://www.pinterest.se/susannabroom/viking-age-clothing-colours-and-dyes/
Embroidery: https://www.pinterest.se/susannabroom/viking-age-clothing-embroidery-finds/
Tents and household items: http://www.vikingage.org/wiki/wiki/Household
Furniture: http://www.olvikthing.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Viking-Age-Furniture-16-223.pdf
Chests: http://www.olvikthing.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Viking-Age-Furniture-6-152.pdf
Wargear: http://www.vikingage.org/wiki/wiki/Wargear
Legend
(C) – Common - recommended.
(UC) – Uncommon - not recommended.
(HS) – High Status - only for wealthy portrayals.
| Female gear | Materials | Acceptable | Not Acceptable |
| Head & neck gear | Wool (C) Felted wool (UC) Linen Silk (HS) |
Dublin scarf Dublin cap Skullcap Skjoldehamn hood (UC) Veil Sprang hair net (UC) Tablet woven head band Bead necklace (HS) |
Santa floppy hat Nålbinding hats[7] |
| Under Garment | Linen (C) Wool (UC) |
Undyed (C) Dyed (HS) Keyhole or oval neckhole (C) Pleated dress (HS) Small round brooch at throat (C) |
Embroidery |
| Outer Garment | Wool (C) Silk (not entire garment, HS) |
Keyhole or oval neckhole (C) Simple tablet weave Silver tablet weave (HS) Silk hem/details (HS) |
Embroideries/Tablet weave with unhistorical
patterns Leather garments without hair |
| Hangeroc & Brooches | Linen (UC) Wool (C) Silk (not entire garment, HS) Bronze (C) Silver plating (HS) Gold plating (HS) Beads | Hangeroc without side-openings (C) Shin length or
longer Overlapping wrap around hangeroc Back train from Oval brooches (UC, HS) Front panel (UC, HS) Double layered tortoise brooches (C) Single layered tortoise brooches Chain hangings (C) Tools hanging from brooches on chains or silk/linen loops (C) Silver tablet weave/posament between brooches (UC, HS) |
Two-panel hangeroc Hangeroc without brooches Large embroidery Unhistorical checkered fabric [1] Other brooches than paired ones 3 or more bead rows Female wearing male jewelry and vice versa |
| Belts & Bags | Thin leather (C) Wool |
No belt (C) Woven textile belt Leather belt with metal buckle (UC) Drawstring pouch Wood panel bag Split end leather belt |
Belt wider than 4 cm or 1.5 inches Preferred
2 cm or 0.75 inches |
| Over Garments | Wool (C) Linen (UC) Silk (HS, not entire garment) Fur (UC, not entire garment) |
Overcoat, knee length or longer Square shawl folded to a triangle Rectangular shawl Trefoil, disc-shaped or equal-armed brooch for fastening the above (C) Semi-circular cloak (UC) Leather coat/hood with hair left on (UC) Fur hem (HS), Silk hem/details (HS) |
Embroideries with
unhistorical patterns Cloak with hood Entire fur pelts Fur coats Leather garments |
| Leg Wear | Wool | Bare legs Sewn knee high hose Nålbinding socks |
Men’s trousers worn with dress Leg wraps |
| Shoes | Leather | Low shoes or ankle-high shoes (C) | Tall boots, Clogs |
| Male gear | Materials | Acceptable | Not Acceptable |
| Head Wear | Wool (C) Felted wool (UC) Linen (Lining) Silk (HS) |
Skullcap Dublin cap Pointy hat with/without fittings (HS) Skjoldehamn hood (UC) Necklace with 2-3 beads [2] (UC) Head band |
Santa floppy hat Bead necklaces Bandana Beard beads Nålbinding hats [7] |
| Under Garment | Linen (C) Wool (UC) |
Undyed (C) Dyed (HS) Shirt tucked into trousers Side split or gores Keyhole or oval neckhole Asymmetrical neckhole |
Embroidery Front split, unless Norman Conroi |
| Outer Garment | Wool (C) Linen (HS) Silk (HS, not entire garment) |
Keyhole or oval neckhole Asymmetrical neckhole Simple tablet weave Silver tablet weave (HS) Silk hem/details (UC, HS) Posament (HS) |
Embroideries/ Tablet weave with unhistorical patterns Leather garments without hair Brooch at the throat, exception: Saxon & Norman Entire silk garment Diamond twill |
| Belts & Bags | Linen (Lining) Wool Thin leather (C) Bronze (C) Silver (HS) Gilded bronze (HS) Silk (HS) |
Split end leather belt Buckled belt (C) Magyar belt with metal fittings (HS) Girdle (HS) Birka-style belt pouch (HS) Drawstring pouch Wood panel bag |
Bags of thick leather Leather belt wider than 4 cm or 1.5 inches Long hanging belt end Ideal width 2 cm or 0.75 inches |
| Over Garments | Wool (C) Linen (UC) Silk (HS, not entire garment) Fur (UC, not entire garment) |
Klappenrock
coat Oriental caftan (HS) Leather coat/hood with hair left on (UC) Rectangular cloak (C) Semi-circular cloak (UC) Fur hem (HS) Silk hem/details (HS) Posament (HS) |
Embroideries with unhistorical patterns Cloak with hood Entire fur pelts Leather garments without hair Large silk applications on caftans Entire silk garment |
| Leg Wear | Wool (C) Linen (Baggy trousers, UC) |
Thorsbjerg-type straight trousers, tight or with leg wraps
(C) Baggy trousers to the knee (HS) Trousers/hose with integral feet (C) Loose trousers Nålbinding socks Sewn knee high hose Leg Wraps (C) |
Baggy trousers to the ankle Cross gartering |
| Shoes | Leather | Low shoes or ankle high shoes (C) | Tall boots Clogs |
| Camp Gear | Material | Acceptable | Not Acceptable |
| Tents | Wool (C) Linen Cotton/Canvas [3] |
Oseberg A-frame tents Geteld/Saxon tents Lean-to shelters |
Pavilions Metal eyelets Metal tent pole sockets |
| Stools, Chairs & Tables | Wood | 3 or 4-legged stools 4-legged or joint benches Lewis Chess set style chairs (HS) Lund style chairs (HS) Oseberg style Chairs (HS) Log chairs (HS) 4-legged tables |
African "sungazer" chairs Modern chairs covered with a blanket, etc. |
| Beds & Bedding | Wood Wool Linen |
Oseberg beds Gokstad beds Woven blankets Straw & Linen bedding |
Any visibly modern bedding, including army cots |
| Cooking equipment | Iron Ceramics Stone |
Iron cauldrons & Long-handled skillets
on tripods Ceramic cooking pots (C) Soapstone cooking pots |
Modern copper pots Coffee boilers Any visible modern fire pans [5] |
| Eating & Drinking Utensils | Wood Bone Horn Ceramics Glass |
Spoons & Ladles (C), Plates &
Bowls (C) Drinking horns [4] with/ without silver fittings (HS) Cups (C) Glasses (HS, UC) |
Pewter cups Horn cups with flat bottoms |
| Water containers | Wood Iron Ceramics Copper |
Buckets with wooden hoops (C) Buckets with metal hoops (UC) Ceramic pitchers (with tin details) (HS) Copper pitcher (HS, UC) |
Metal buckets Fabric buckets |
| Chest & Boxes | Wood Iron |
Sea chests Bentwood boxes Storage Chests [8] |
Overuse of iron banding 19th century coffers |
| Light sources | Iron Ceramics Bees wax |
Oseberg oil-lamps Ceramic fat-lamps (C) Candles (C, HS) |
Modern lanterns Flashlights Rawhide lanterns [6] |
| Arms & Armor | Material | Acceptable | Not Acceptable |
| Helmets | Steel/Iron | Gjermundbu/Kyiv types (HS) Conical types (HS) Gnezdovo/Bojna/Prague types (HS) Great Polish/Russian helmets (HS Yarm helmets (HS) |
Leather helmets Vendel or Migration period helmets |
| Body Armor & Shields | Steel/Iron Wood | Riveted chainmail (HS) Lamellar armor (HS, UC) Round shields 60-110 cm or 23.6-43.3 inches in diameter |
Leather armor / greaves Quilted gambesons Sleeveless chainmail Splinted Vendel armor Shields <60 cm or 23.6 inches in diameter Kite shields Large cumbersome gloves |
| One-handed weapons | Wood Steel/Iron Silver/Gold |
Axes Swords (HS) One-handed spears Javelins |
Sabres |
| Two-handed Weapons | Wood Steel/Iron Silver/Gold |
Two-handed spears Dane axes (HS) Bows |
Battle scythes |
Notes
[1] https://tempusestiocundum.wordpress.com/2014/07/23/val-rutet-en-kort-blogg-om-rutigt-pa-vikingatidoch-medeltid-del-1-check-it-out-a-short-blog-about-checkered-fabrics-in-viking-and-medieval-times-part1/
[2] https://halldorviking.wordpress.com/2014/11/12/did-viking-men-wear-necklaces/
[3] Due to the high percentage of cotton tents in the Re-enactment community we are going to allow cotton tents for the next few years. However, they should be phased out. No new tents can be made from cotton canvas. Whenever possible, existing tents should be remade from authentic materials.
[4] Not hanging from your belt!
[5] Fire pans such as the example must be hidden properly.
[6] Rawhide lanterns are a reenactorism, and will not be acceptable.
[7] Caps were made of wool, or sheepskin, or leather and fur. Some had earflaps for warmth. Typically, they were made in the Phrygian style, with four or more triangular pieces sewn together. There is currently no physical evidence for nålbinding hats in Scandinavia, regardless of other extant examples of period nålbinding. Two finds have been discovered on late 10-11 century German clerical reliquaries (St. Symeon and St Bernard of Clarivaux) that seem to indicate a head covering. For further information on hats in the Viking Age: https://dawnsdressdiary.wordpress.com/2015/03/11/norse-pillbox-hat/. Also see http://www.vikingage.org/wiki/wiki/Hats_%26_Hoods_(Men)#Skull_Caps.
[8] There is no current evidence of handles on large viking chests, whether of wood or iron. However, in deference to the varying strengths of individuals, exceptions may be made on a case by case basis, where the physical needs of the individual supercede the authenticity requirement. Additionally, an explanation to the general public must be made that there is no evidence of handles and that what is being presented is not historically accurate, but an accommodation for physical capabilities.
Acknowledgements: A good portion of the work for this guide was taken from the writings and research of Max Gullberg, Regia Anglorum and Yuzhnaya Rus. Their contributions are gratefully acknowledged.
[1] https://tempusestiocundum.wordpress.com/2014/07/23/val-rutet-en-kort-blogg-om-rutigt-pa-vikingatidoch-medeltid-del-1-check-it-out-a-short-blog-about-checkered-fabrics-in-viking-and-medieval-times-part1/
[2] https://halldorviking.wordpress.com/2014/11/12/did-viking-men-wear-necklaces/
[3] Due to the high percentage of cotton tents in the Re-enactment community we are going to allow cotton tents for the next few years. However, they should be phased out. No new tents can be made from cotton canvas. Whenever possible, existing tents should be remade from authentic materials.
[4] Not hanging from your belt!
[5] Fire pans such as the example must be hidden properly.
[6] Rawhide lanterns are a reenactorism, and will not be acceptable.
[7] Caps were made of wool, or sheepskin, or leather and fur. Some had earflaps for warmth. Typically, they were made in the Phrygian style, with four or more triangular pieces sewn together. There is currently no physical evidence for nålbinding hats in Scandinavia, regardless of other extant examples of period nålbinding. Two finds have been discovered on late 10-11 century German clerical reliquaries (St. Symeon and St Bernard of Clarivaux) that seem to indicate a head covering. For further information on hats in the Viking Age: https://dawnsdressdiary.wordpress.com/2015/03/11/norse-pillbox-hat/. Also see http://www.vikingage.org/wiki/wiki/Hats_%26_Hoods_(Men)#Skull_Caps.
[8] There is no current evidence of handles on large viking chests, whether of wood or iron. However, in deference to the varying strengths of individuals, exceptions may be made on a case by case basis, where the physical needs of the individual supercede the authenticity requirement. Additionally, an explanation to the general public must be made that there is no evidence of handles and that what is being presented is not historically accurate, but an accommodation for physical capabilities.
Acknowledgements: A good portion of the work for this guide was taken from the writings and research of Max Gullberg, Regia Anglorum and Yuzhnaya Rus. Their contributions are gratefully acknowledged.
