Work and Way of Life

Time Period 800-1600

The settlement of Iceland began around 870 AD. The majority of the settlers were from Norway, while some came from the British Isles. Animal husbandry, arable farming, fishing and hunting were well established in these countries. The settlers brought with them their skills from their home countries, and adapted them to their new living conditions. Initially the number of domestic animals was limited, as they had to be brought to Iceland on board ship. It must have taken some time to bring stocks up to sufficient numbers to be a useful resource. The settlers were also sparsely distributed around the country. In the early years they must have been heavily dependent upon fishing, catching seals and birds, and collecting eggs.

During the Age of the Settlement and the Old Commonwealth (9th to 13th century), Iceland was primarily a nation of subsistence farmers, where each farm met its own needs. Animal husbandry was the cornerstone of farming, and the provision of fodder for the animals of vital importance.

Fishing at sea began with the settlement, while much fish was also caught in rivers and lakes. At that time fish was caught almost exclusively for domestic consumption. At sea, handlines were the only fishing gear, while nets were used in freshwater fisheries.

Cereal crops were grown from the beginning of the settlement, especially in the south and west, but this form of agriculture died out in the later middle ages when the climate grew cooler. On the largest estates, it is possible that ploughs were used, drawn by cattle, while in smaller fields hand-tools must have been used. Sickles were used for harvesting. The grain cultivated was used for porridge, bread and brewing.

Bog iron was smelted in Iceland from the Settlement Age. The main evidence of this is slag. Bog iron is common in Iceland, and in the early days wood was plentiful for smelting. But bog iron is inferior to iron extracted from ore, and around 1400 iron began to be imported, and smelting died out in Iceland.

During the winter, the principal occupation was woolworking. Wool was combed, then spun into yarn using a spindle, and woven into cloth. This was Iceland’s main export until the 14th century.

Fishing expanded in the 14th century, when dried fish and fish-liver oil became the leading exports. Enormous changes took place, which have been called an economic revolution. Fishing became second only in importance to farming.

Subsistence farming meant that rural households also had to supply their own tools and utensils. There was a smithy on every farm, and also at many seasonal fishing stations. Scythe blades had to be made, as well as nails, fishhooks, horseshoes, bridle bits etc. Most domestic utensils were made of wood.



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