Vessel Fragment
Excavated in 2005, as part of the Hrísheimar Artifacts, in the Northeast of Iceland this fragment is approximately 10 centimeters wide. The fragment seems to have come from a vessel that is either bronze, but it is more likely corroded and rusted iron. This object was most likely crafted during the Viking age, which spans from approximately 985-1049.
There do no seem to be any clear decorations on the fragment however; it is quite clear that this metal fragment came from a large metal cauldron.[1] In fact, a large cooking cauldron demonstrates the magnitude of meals that were prepared by the Norse. Viking meals often prepared in “soapstone or iron cauldrons [were] common cooking apparatus for the Viking. The cauldron was constructed from many thin iron plates, which were riveted to form the pot… The cauldron was popular amongst the [Norse] to cook stews that comprise pork, leeks, cabbage and spices.”[2] As demonstrated by this quote, cauldrons provided the Norse with a simplistic, easy way to prepare meals.
Due to the fact that this object is made of iron, it reflects the importance that iron had for Norse culture.[3] One interesting thing to note is that this object was recovered in Iceland, indicating the fact that Norse migrants felt it necessary to transport their tools despite the remoteness of the area they were moving to. Overall, this cauldron demonstrates the cooking technology the Norse relied upon, and their willingness to transport such large tools with them. It seems that the many dishes of the Norse still persist to this day.
