Norse Iron Crampon
The Norse discovered Iceland in the 860’s and settled there, most notably by Ingólfur Arnarsonn, in 870’s. The Norse exploited Iceland for its flint, metal, and other raw materials. The area, mostly farmland or quarries, had very little trees, so contact with the mainland was essential for expansion. The people of Iceland, specifically the Myvatn area, traded extensively with Norway.[3] In 930, the Icelandic Norse began their own Icelandic Commonwealth. This period lasted a little over 300 years until Norway took over the island. Although Iceland was rich in resources, it was full of unforgiving terrain such as glacial fields and mountainous crags.
This crampon was most likely used by a worker or a farmer during the winter months in Iceland. Using leather to bind the crampon to the shoe, the iron prongs at the end stuck into the ice and snow. The tool then gained traction on snowy, icy regions when climbing. Apart from climbing, Scandinavians would put crampons on horse’s heads during fights.[4] They may have been put in a grave during a winter funeral to ensure safe travels to Hel as well.[5]
The Icelandic Norse played an essential part in the acquisition of raw goods to mainland Scandinavia. Metal tools, found in old excavation sites, are ubiquitous, especially around the Myvatn area. These towns not only imported metal, but fish, flint, and bone to the Baltic and Scandinavian countries. With its rusted metal and bent shape, this tool is a marker of the life and trade of the Icelanders during the Viking Age.
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