9th- and 10th Century Exhibits
9th- and 10th Century Exhibits
Surviving objects from the early centuries of Icelandic history have been unearthed over the past 200 years, either during organised excavations or as spot finds. This means that they are found on the surface of the earth, but circumstances have not permitted further investigation. These objects are dated from the circumstances of the find. It is also possible to use typological methods, in which the form and perhaps ornamental style are analysed as an aid to dating.
Most of the finds are of non-organic substances such as metal, while it is far rarer for organic materials such as wood and bone to be preserved. The commonest finds are ornaments and weapons, as well as various iron artefacts. Very little clothing has survived from this period. The only evidence regarding people’s clothing is in the form of jewellery, such as brooches and ring-pins.
Further evidence has been gathered in recent years on the life and work of the early Icelanders, as archaeology has evolved. This is not necessarily seen in surviving objects, but may appear in the findings of studies on vegetation, bone fragments, soil layers and other factors recorded during archaeological excavations.