Making of a Nation
1200 years of Iceland’s history through the museum’s main collection of items and artifacts.
From ancient artifacts and manuscripts to modern artwork and design, Þjóðminjasafn Íslands collections span over a thousand years of Icelandic culture and history.
“Impressive collection of Icelandic artifacts from 1000AD to the present arranged chronologically. […] Spent over 2 hours here - thoroughly enjoyed it. Some of my favourites are the tiny statue of Thor, first Icelandic bible (1584), furniture and clothing.”
“There's plenty to see here. Plan on spending at least three hours. Guided tours are available. I didn't take one, but I learned a lot and was able to go from exhibit to exhibit at my own speed. A must-see museum if you like culture and history.”
“Loved this one. It makes my list of must-do if you are in Reykjavik (and are a history buff). Great stories, artifacts, and information. I would recommend it to any visitor or local.”
“An extremely comprehensive museum containing artifacts from the dawn of civilization in Iceland to current day. I wish we had gone to it earlier in our visit! Allow a good amount of time to go through the museum as there is so much to see.”
“The museum is well worth a visit. Very interesting history. Great start to our Iceland travels.”
“If you are into history and want to learn more about Iceland, this is a great museum to visit. I would allow couple of hours, in the least.”
The Dawn of Icelandic Society
Settlement in Iceland started around 870 AD, during the Viking Age. The first people to make the journey across the North Atlantic Ocean came from Norway and Viking settlements in the British Isles. Iceland, with its untouched landscapes, erupting geysers, active volcanoes, long winters, and somewhat cool summers, must have seemed quite alien to the settlers.
In the early centuries, Iceland was independent and not governed by any kingdom. The settlers followed pagan beliefs, and within a few decades, a basic social system emerged with chieftains and pagan priests governing different regions. Notably, in 930 AD at Þingvellir, Alþingi, the world's oldest parliament, was established.
People largely lived off agriculture, particularly livestock farming but also grain cultivation and fishing. The settlers brought livestock—cattle, grain for sowing and fishing gear on their ships. They most likely brought some tools and equipment, but soon they began crafting tools from bog iron, which can be found in Icelandic soil.
Most of those who settled here were pagan. However, some were Christians, and lived seemingly harmoniously alongside the pagans.
Around the turn of the millennium in 1000, Icelanders adopted Christianity
Artifacts from the Settlement Age
Atifacts from the earliest periods of Icelandic settlement have been discovered over the last 200 years, either through organized archaeological excavations or as accidental findings. Accidental discoveries occur when artifacts are found on the surface of the ground.
Artifacts are dated based on the conditions in which they were found. Additionally, a method called 'typology' is used, where their design and, possibly, patterns are utilized for dating.
Most of these artifacts are made of inorganic materials like metal, artifacts made of organic materials such as wood and bone are rare findings in Iceland. The most common finds include jewellery, weapons, and various iron objects.
Very few items of clothing have survived from the settlement era. Clues about people's clothing come mainly from jewellery, like brooches and pins.
Further insights into the lives and work of people in the early days have been gained in recent years through archaeological research. This information is reflected in the results of investigations into plant remains, bone remains, sediment layers, and other aspects recorded and studied during archaeological excavations.
Artefacts from 800 - 1000
Þór
1000 AD
Eyrarland, Eyjafjörður, North Iceland
6.7 cm
Bronze
Þór (Thor), the god of thunder, depicted holding his hammer Mjölnir.
This figure stands as one of the most renowned artifacts in The National Museum of Iceland, attracting visitors from across the globe. It is the key artifact for the period 800 – 1000.
Like other major Norse gods, Þór is chronicled in the Icelandic Snorra Edda from the 13th century and Edda which is written even earlier. His significance extends into contemporary Western entertainment, where writers and artists spin adventurous tales featuring the god of thunder.
Perhaps due to the mythological grandeur surrounding him and his enduring influence in modern culture, many visitors are surprised by the modest size of the statue. Yet, its symbolism is striking.
Most settlers practiced pagan beliefs, but there were also Christians in Iceland, seemingly coexisting peacefully. The hammer Þór holds bears a cross-like shape, prompting speculation about the interplay between pagan and Christian influences and its symbolic significance.
Discovered in the 19th century in Eyjafjörður, North Iceland, the statue was temporarily housed in Copenhagen before being returned in 1930, along with other artifacts from the Danish National Museum.
It has been dated to around 1000.
Artifact: Þjms. 10880/1930-287
Pot of soapstone
900 - 1000 AD
Snæhvammur, Breiðdalur, South Iceland
9.5 x 34 x 21.5 cm
Soapstone
A pot made of soapstone found in a woman's grave in Snæhvammi in Breiðdalur. The icelandic word for pots like this one is 'grýta' from the word 'grjót,' (e. rock/stone) as such pots were carved from stone. Soapstone is a fire-resistant type of stone that is easy to carve. It is not found in Iceland but commonly in Norway.
Þjms. 3927/1893-137
Ringed pin
900 - 1000 AD
Hólar, Biskupstungur, South Iceland
6.6 x 1 cm
Bronze
Bronze ringed pins and others made of bone are found in both male and female graves; these were used to fasten clothes, as buttons had not been introduced for this purpose at this time, but merely as ornaments. Some have Celtic ornamentation, which indicates that they originate from the British Isles.
People wore ornaments similar to those worn elsewhere in the Nordic world, and many items came from these places. Most of the preserved artifacts indicate a common fashion in clothing and ornaments.
Þjms. 10594/1929-141
Needle case
Reign of Christian Chieftains
Icelanders adopted Christianity around 1000 AD, and the medieval Christian culture. They learned to write the Latin alphabet on vellum (calfskin) and wrote their laws and stories in their native language, known as 'norræna' or Old Norse. The chieftains of the old pagan society retained their worldly powers.
Two bishoprics divided Iceland into parishes, schools and monasteries were established and the tithe, a tax payable to the church introduced.
The chieftains of the old pagan society retained their worldly powers. They were regional rulers in the system of government called the Old Commonwealth. Soon, the power of the chieftains began to concentrate in the hands of few powerful families.
The Icelanders lived on farms, living off sheep and cattle husbandry and fishing. The main modes of transport were horses and boats. The main export product was wadmal ('vaðmál' in Icelandic), homespun woollen cloth.
Artifacts from this period
Most preserved artifacts from the 11th and 12th centuries are made of inorganic materials discovered in the ground during archaeological excavations, although a few have been preserved without being buried in the earth.
The most remarkable artifacts from this era are carved house beams, many of which were found in the rafters of turf houses in the 20th century. Due to the continuity in Icelandic house construction and the scarcity of timber, valuable carvings from an Icelandic church dating back to the 12th century, which have no equal in the world, has been preserved.
The oldest church artifacts in Iceland date back to the 12th century. Artifacts that provide insights into daily life are rare, but what has been found reflects the artistry of our ancestors.
Artefacts from 1000 – 1200
Ufsakristur, figure of Christ
1100 – 1200 AD
Ufsir, Ufsaströnd, Northern Iceland
107 x 80 cm
Wood, birch
A rood, a figure of Christ of a lost cross. The cross hung in the Ufsakirkja church in Svarfaðardalur and the name 'Ufsakristur' is derived from that church.
The image is carved from birchwood in Romanesque style and has been painted, with remnants of the original painting still visible. Christ is depicted with a beard, his long hair falls over his shoulders. He is wearing a loincloth and stands erect on a pedestal with his head held high, eyes open, and arms stretched out straight from his shoulders, all characteristics of the Romanesque style.
Romanesque crosses were common around 1200 AD. Christ is depicted as a powerful ruler and often crowned with a king's crown. On Gothic crosses that followed, he is depicted with a crown of thorns, his head bowed, and his body hanging in crucifixion.
Crucifixes were found in most Catholic churches. During the Reformation in the 16th century, many images of saints were destroyed, but crosses were generally left untouched.
Þjms. 4795/1901-15
Door-ring
1100 – 1200 AD
Laufás, Eyjafjörður, North Iceland
29 x 29 cm
Iron, copper
Ironwork roses around a church door-ring in the Gothic style, likely crafted in the 13th century. Churches were generally constructed with greater care than other buildings. Stave Churches were built all around the country, many of them ornamented with wood and metal. Church doors were often decorated and furnished with large, iron door-rings.
Artifact: Þjms. 407/1867-49
Crosier
1200 AD
Skálholt, Biskupstunga, South Iceland
ca 6.5 x 13 cm
Walrus tusk
Bishops' crosier found with the bones of Bishop Páll Jónsson of Skálholt in his sarcophagus. The crosier, dating back to around 1200 AD, is of Icelandic origin and features animal ornamentation in the Romanesque style, culminating in a dragon head.
The crosier was found during excavations in 1954.
Spindle Whorl
1197 – 1400 AD
Hruni, Hrunamannahreppi, Árnessýslu
5.4 x 1.4 cm
Stone
A spindle whorl was fitted to a spindle to help maintain the spindle's speed of rotation while spinning yarn. The upper-half of the spindle is domed but the lower-half is flat. The flat side is inscribed with runes ÞRAMJG which read: 'I belong to Þóra' ('Þóra á mig' in Icelandic).
Artifact no: Þjms. 1933/1881-69
Under Norwegian rule
The 13th century was a period of strife in Iceland, marked by power struggle among the most influential chieftains. Battles were fought with spears, axes, and stones. In 1262, Icelanders swore allegiance to the King of Norway, losing their sovereignty. This marked the end of the Commonwealth and the cessation of civil strife. A new legal code and system of government were introduced.
In the 13th and 14th centuries, Icelanders wrote stories that are now considered classics of world literature. While Latin was the written language of Europe, Icelanders wrote in their native language on vellum. They documented laws and holy translations, but most notably, they wrote historical and fictional sagas in both verse and prose. The most famous sagas are set between 930 and 1030, but contemporary chronicles were also written. Sturlunga saga chronicles the strife and power struggles of the 13th century, with the Sturlung family playing a central role. The term 'Age of the Sturlungs' (Sturlungaöld in Icelandic) is still used today to describe time of warfare.
The fisheries grew rapidly in the 14th century, and stockfish (dried fish) became the most important export. However, fisheries largely remained a sideline to the principal occupation of farming.
Artifacts from this period
Most artefacts have been preserved because they were buried in the ground for centuries; otherwise, they would have been lost. Swords and spears have been found in various locations around the country, testifying to the strive.
There are few remains of everyday occupations, although occasional anvils for ironworking and fishing hooks have been discovered. Additionally, few garments and scraps of homespun cloth have emerged from archaeological excavations.
The church provides us with the most artifacts. Its power is shown in church treasures, either purchased from abroad or made here in Iceland. Wooden church panels were carved, chalices were made of silver, and cloths and tapestries were embroidered.
Artefacts from 1200 - 1400
The Valþjófsstaðir door
1175 – 1200 AD
Valþjófsstaður, East Iceland
206.5 x 97.5 cm
Pinewood
Valþjófsstaðir door is believed to date back to about 1200 AD.
The Valþjófsstaðir Door, a church door in the Romanesque style, is believed to be carved in Iceland. In its original form the door had most likely three roundels.
The upper roundel depicts a well-known medieval tale, Le Chevalier au Lion, in three episodes. At the bottom we see a knight with his hunting falcon. He kills a dragon which has caught a lion, and then the lion is depicted gratefully following the knight. Finally, the lion lies at the knight's grave, mourning him. On the grave is a runic inscription: 'Behold the mighty king here buried who slew the dragon.' In the lower roundel are four interlaced dragons.
The door ring is a silver-plated iron ring with an embedded rose pattern.
The splendour of medieval churches bears witness to the wealth and power of their owners and reflects the connections between Icelanders and their neighbouring nations. The Valþjófsstaðir door is the only carved door still in existence. It was used in the Valþjófsstaðir church until 1851 AD when it was moved to Copenhagen. In 1930, the Danes returned the door along with numerous other invaluable artifacts.
Artifact no: Þjms. 11009/1930-425
Blacksmith's tongs
1100 - 1400 AD
Saurar, Helgarfellssveit, West Iceland
48 cm
Iron
Blacksmith's tongs, found with medieval bog iron. Iron smelting from bog iron ore largely died out in the 15th century, when superior and cheaper iron, smelted from ore, was imported.
Artifact no: Þjms. 4033/1894-76
Sewing needle
Not known
Ysta-Reyðarvatn, South Iceland
6 cm
Copper
The sewing needle was most likely used to sew leather garments. Two needles were used, each against the other. The needle was found at Ysta-Reyðarvatn in Rangárvellir, an ancient, deserted farm.
Artifact no: Þjms. 3962/1894-5
Rood of driftwood
1325 – 1375 AD
Álftamýri, Arnarfjörður, Westfjords
44 x 7.7 x 3.3 cm
Driftwood
Image of Christ, a rood, in Romanesque style, depicting Christ with a crown of thorns. Likely Icelandic work.
Artifact no: Þjms. 6552/1913-130-1
Under Danish rule
In the 14th century, the King of Denmark assumed rule over Norway, thereby also becoming the King of Iceland. Iceland remained a Danish colony until the establishment of the Icelandic republic in 1944.
In 1402, the Black Death reached Iceland, causing tremendous devastation. Approximately half of the population perished in the epidemic. Another plague occurred at the end of the century, though it had a somewhat lesser impact. These plagues left many districts depopulated, leading to the acquisition of numerous farms by the Church and other rich landowners for a nominal sum.
In the 16th century, the King of Denmark mandated Lutheranism. In Iceland, the Reformation sparked prolonged conflict, culminating in the execution of Jón Arason, the Catholic bishop at Hólar, in 1550. He was the last Catholic bishop in the Nordic countries, and his execution symbolized the end of the Middle Ages in Iceland.
Iceland's fishing grounds held significant potential, yet Icelanders had not exploited them by then. In the 15th century, the English and Germans began intensive fishing off Iceland while simultaneously engaging in trade with Icelanders. English and German fishermen occasionally vied for control of individual ports and clashed with royal authorities. But they introduced various goods to Iceland that the isolated population had never encountered before.
Artifacts from this period
Preserved artifacts from the period are often associated with renowned individuals who held significant power during this time and traveled widely. Artifacts attributed to specific individuals impart their character onto the collection. Bishop Guðbrandur Þorláksson of Hólar is among those characters.
Fewer traces have been found of the lives of common people. However, everyday items have been unearthed from ruins buried under volcanic ash during eruptions. They provide a clear picture of the people's lives at that time. Clothing is scarce, but some items of ceremonial attire belonging to priests and bishops have been discovered. The earth still holds a diverse array of evidence of the nation's way of life in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Artefacts 1400 - 1600
Guðbrandur's Bible
1584 AD
Hólar in Hjaltadalur, North Iceland
39 x 27 x 11 cm
Paper, vellum
Guðbrandsbiblía (Guðbrandur's Bible) was the first translation of the Bible printed in Icelandic. It was Bishop Guðbrandur Þorláksson who had the Bible printed at Hólar in 1584, and therefore it is named after him.
Guðbrandur's Bible is is still regarded as a masterpiece of the printer’s art.
Five hundred copies were printed, a process that took two years. Every church was required to contribute to the project and to purchase one copy of the Bible. Well into the 19th century many churches had copies of Guðbrandur's Bible.
This copy's bookbinding is beautiful and only slightly younger than the printing. It is bound in leather and decorated with brass. It belonged to Bishop Guðbrandur's daughter, Kristín, and then to her son, Þorlákur Arason of Staðarfell, it was in the church there for centuries. The binding is original.
Printing was introduced to Iceland around 1530 AD, when Bishop Jón Arason acquired a small printing press, with a Swedish printer to operate it. Initially, only religious texts were printed, and right from the start almost all publications were in Icelandic, which became the language of the Church in Iceland.
Artifact no: Þjms. 1902/1881-37
St. Olaf
1500 – 1600 AD
Iceland
67 cm
Go
King Olav Haraldsson of Norway, who converted the Norwegians to Christianity, died in 1030 AD at the battle of Stiklestad in Norway. He was subsequently widely revered as a saint, not least in Iceland, where many churches were dedicated to him in pre-Reformation times. A history of St. Olav was written in Iceland, and many churches of St. Olav owned copies of the book. Records indicate that statues of the saint were found in many churches, and some still exist. The monarch is depicted holding an axe and the orb of office. He is often shown with his foot on a devil in the form of a dragon, symbolising his victory over paganism.
The figure of st. Olav is carved in oak and originally painted in various colours. The figure, made in Lübeck, Germany, in the 16th century, depicts him in the armour of that period. He holds his axe Hel ('Death') and his orb of office, as he tramples the Devil. From an unidentified church in Iceland. Came to the National Museum in Copenhagen in the 19th century and was presented to Iceland in 1930.
Artifact no: Þjms. 10918/1930-329
Inkwell
1525 – 1575 AD
Hólar in Hjaltadalur, North Iceland
4 x 4.5 cm
Bone
Inkwell made from the tooth of a marine mammal, carved with mythical creatures.
Artifact no: Þjms. 4769/1900-104
Holy Mary
1450 – 1550 AD
Eyri, Skutulsfjörður, Westfjords
97.3 cm
Wood
A wooden statue from the church at Eyri in Skutulsfjörður in Ísafjarðardjúp. The church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary along with John the Apostle. Most statues of the saints were destroyed after the Reformation, but images of Mary and Christ on the cross were spared.
Artifact no: Þjms. 3219/1889-31
Absolutism
Royal power increased in Iceland after the Reformation. The king imposed a Danish trade monopoly on Iceland in 1602, which lasted until the end of 1787.
In Europe, the 17th and 18th centuries were a period of great transformation. The Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution had some impact in Iceland, but their effect on progress and population growth was far less significant compared to elsewhere on the continent.
The Icelandic census of 1703 is the first extant census in the world to count an entire nation by name. The population was recorded at 50,358. Of these, only 800 had occupations other than farming and farm labor, which is less than 1% of the adult population. The largest categories were 245 clergymen and 142 housemaids. The census reveals a homogeneous society at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in Europe.
In the 18th century, the royal authorities and progressive-minded Icelandic joined forces to introduce innovations in the Icelandic economy. Icelanders went to Copenhagen for university education and to learn trades, such as copper- and silversmithing. Efforts were made to teach Icelanders to cultivate grain, the first stone buildings were constructed and the Crown invested in developing a woollens industry in Reykjavik, marking the beginning of urban development. Despite these efforts, there was little change in most aspects of life, and by the end of the 18th century, the population had decreased, not least because Iceland also suffered from virulent epidemics and famines.
Skaftáreldar, one of the largest eruptions in historical times, began in 1783. This was followed by the Haze Famine, which lasted until 1785. People were driven from their lands, livestock died, and famine prevailed. By the end of the disaster, about one-fifth of the nation had perished.
Artifacts from this period
After the Reformation the number of preserved artifacts increases significantly. Carved wooden items characterize the collection, such as chests and cabinets, as well as women's jewellery and silver items from the upper class. A common feature of these items is that they were preserved among people until collectors sought them out, or the owners valued them so much that they donated them to the museum.
Artistic creation and folk culture become more visible. But preserved items are mostly from those who were more affluent. The preservation of clothing is a clear example of this; in the museum, there are garments of upper-class women, but everyday clothing is entirely absent, and men's clothes are hardly found at all.
Artefacts of 1600 - 1800
Cana drinking horn
1598 AD
Iceland
ca 60 cm
Bull's horn
Drinking horn carved by farmer Brynjólfur Jónsson of Skarð, South Iceland, 1598 AD. Brynjólfur was a skilled carver, and he probably lived partly by his art, as many examples of his work are known.
The horn is carved with scenes from the Old and New Testaments. At the top is the Wedding at Cana where Christ changes water to wine. The tableware is as used at Brynjólfur's time. Judith is seen slaying the Assyrian commander Holofernes, and at the bottom Joab is slaying Absalom, son of King David. Absalom hangs by his hair from an oak tree, while his mule runs away. At the point of the horn is a man in the jaws of a dragon. The inscription on the horn refers to the illustrations.
The horn is dated 1598 AD, with the name of Þorleifur Ásmundsson, Brynjólfur's brother-in law, who commissioned the horn. He was a member of the Law Council in Hvoll in Hvolshreppur and the brother-in-law of Brynjólfur.
Generally, the names and works of the common people of the 17th and 18th century were forgotten. Brynjólfur Jónsson is considered to be the first Icelandic artist to become nationally known for his works. His works and those of his contemporaries show evidence of tension between conservatism and the influx of foreign trends. Three other drinking horns by Brynjólfur are known, all in collections abroad. His best-known works are whalebone panels from Skarð Church. One could say that Brynjólfur Jónsson carved his own name in Icelandic history.
Property of the National Museum of Denmark. 1427/1943
Cup
1500 – 1600 AD
Iceland
5.6 x 5.9 cm
Bone
A considerable amount of luxury goods was imported from Europe. The work of Icelandic craftsmen often reflects foreign influences, and some of their craftsmanship was comparable to the very best from abroad. This drinking cup, carved from a tooth, is an example of that.
Artifact no: Þjms. 302/1865-111
Iceland 1723 Anno Domini
1732
Reykjavík
135.5 x 125.5
Paper
The plan from 1723 was made before actual geodetic surveying began. The author is Hans Hoffgaard, a Danish captain who was in Iceland on account of the Trade Monopoly. Hoffgaard began his surveys in Iceland in 1708.
The plan shows, among other things, trading centres and trading districts.
See artifact on Sarpur database
Artifact: Þjms. 11645/1934-113
Jón Vídalín's Homily Book
1724 AD
Hóladómkirkja, Hólar in Hjaltadalur, North Iceland
15 x 20.5 cm
Leather, paper, brass
During the winter, religious texts were read aloud in the evening in the home, at other times of the year only on Sundays. The Homily Book of Bishop Jón Vídalín (d. 1720 AD) was first printed in 1718–1720 and was the most commonly book read aloud well into the 19th century.
This copy, bound in leather and brass, is from the second edition, printed at Hólar 1724 AD.
Artifact: Þjms. 9273/1926-136
Nation State and Development
Nationalism grew in the early 19th century, as it did elsewhere in Europe, and Icelanders dreamed of becoming an independent nation.
Alþingi (The Icelandic parliament, which was almost powerless when it was abolished in 1800) was re-established in Reykjavík in 1845. Alþingi was granted legislative power along with the king – but in reality, Icelanders had limited self-governance. About half of the adult male population had the right to vote.
In 1874, Icelanders received their first constitution. A great celebration was held at Þingvellir on this occasion, and the King of Denmark visited Iceland for the first time to attend the festivities. The independence struggle led to the lifting of the monopoly trading, which was a significant step forward for Icelanders in many ways. Urbanization began, and a local merchant class emerged.
Icelanders started fishing with sailing ships, making it possible for people to have fishing as their main occupation. Initially, these ships were mainly used to catch sharks, as shark oil was sought after in European cities and used for street lighting. Seal hunting also increased, and seal skins were exported. The sailing ships allowed fishermen to go farther and catch more fish than with rowboats. They would stay out at sea for weeks at a time, salting the fish on board. However, most of the fishing was still on open rowboats.
Poverty was widespread. In the first half of the century, the population of Iceland increased by 40%, which made life even more difficult. A relatively high number of people were of marriage and childbearing age, land was hard to acquire, there was little work in fishing villages, and marriages between proletariats were forbidden. It was almost impossible for poor people to start families or build a decent life.
In the latter half of the century, one of the coldest periods in Iceland’s history occurred, and the situation worsened even more when the Askja volcano erupted in 1875. The Askja eruption is considered one of the largest ash eruptions in Iceland. In just a few hours, the amount of pumice and ashfall was so great that farms in the East were abandoned, leading to severe hardships. These natural disasters increased the misery of the poor and caused emigration to North America, mainly Manitoba in Canada and the northern states of the United States.
Artifacts from this period
In 1863, the Antiquities Collection, which later became the National Museum of Iceland, was founded. Initially, the focus was on collecting unearthed ancient artifacts, church relics, and other artworks from past centuries. It was only later that emphasis was placed on collecting everyday objects, which provide insight into the lives of common people.
Our understanding of the Icelandic people becomes much clearer in the 19th century. Tools and equipment from that period have been preserved, and the advent of photography allows us to examine and interpret our past. Carved artifacts continue to be a significant part of the museum's collection, as do embroidery and weaving. The variety of tools and instruments has increased considerably.
Artefacts from 1800 - 1900
Festive Costume
1860 AD
Steinnes, Sveinsstaðahreppur, North Iceland
Broadcloth, wool, cotton
The festive costume 'skautbúningur' is the key artifact of the 19th century.
This costume was made by Sigurlaug Gunnarsdóttir of Ás at Hegranes in North Iceland in 1860, following instructions from Sigurður the Painter. The costume is made with black broadcloth, with a simple pattern of foliage embroidered in silver thread on the edges of the jacket, while the skirt hem is embroidered in split stitch with a floral pattern designed by Sigurður. This is the oldest extant 'skautbúningur' known. The head-dress fillet is the work of goldsmith Sigurður Vigfússon, later director of the Antiquarian Collection. The belt is by an unknown craftsman.
Sigurður Guðmundsson the Painter (1833-1874) was keenly interested in all aspects of Icelandic culture. He wished to improve the artistic education and taste of his fellow Icelanders, and proposed improvement to women's festive costume. The costume rapidly became popular, and the old 'faldbúningur' disappeared.
The main components of the skautbúningur are a black broadcloth jacket and skirt. The jacket has gold and silver embroidery, and at the hem of the skirt is an embroidered border. A belt was worn around the waist usually a pendant belt. A low, white head-dress shaped somewhat like a Phrygian cap, 'skautfaldur', is worn on the head with a veil and head-dress bow of the same colour. A gilded fillet was worn with the head-dress. The costume was sometimes worn with a long cloak, 'möttull'. Sigurður also designed a simpler, lighter, formal costume, the kirtle, 'kytrill', which was worn with the same head-dress as the skautbúningur.
The costumes designed by Sigurður are still worn today as formal dress for special occasions.
Artifacts no: Þjms. 7232/1916-171, Þjms. 7233/1916-172, Þjms. 7230/1916-169, Þjms. 7234/1916-173, Þjms. 1986-1442
Shoes made of sealskin
1880 – 1900 AD
Teigur, Dalabyggð, West Iceland
30 x 10.5 cm
Seal skin, wool
Leather shoes, as were common until the 20th century, made of seal skin and trimmed with sheep skin. Inside the shoes are knitted insoles with a blue eight-petal rose.
Artifact no: Þjms. 12393/1938-62
Viking ship by Sigurður the painter
1800 – 1900 AD
Reykjavík
22.2 x 33.3 cm
Paper
Sigurður Guðmundsson the painter (1833-1874) drew ships, weapons and homes of the first
Icelanders based on his ideas. At that time no well preserved Viking ships had been found, and Sigurður models his ships on Roman galleys.
Sigurður the painter was a pioneer in the foundation of the Antiquarian Collection, the forerunner to the National Museum.
Sigurður is one of the best known Icelanders of the 19th century. He went to Copenhagen in 1849 to study drawing and painting and became interested in the cultural history of the Nordic world. He pursued research on the national culture of Icelanders and he proposed new forms of women’s costume. He also envisioned and designed sporting facilities at Laugardalur, which is still today a centre for sports activities.
Sigurður was active in the theatre, often painting backdrops, and was a member of the Evening Association, Reykjavik’s leading cultural society of the time.
Artifact no: SG04-10
Prints from The Photgraph collection.
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