Reconstruction or Replica

I would like to point out that there’s a big difference between a replica or a reconstruction of a garment or an object and that a garment or object is based on a finding. A replica or reconstruction is when you do everything exactly as the finding – from using a tread in the same size as the one that was used on the original garment, weaving the fabric exactly as the original, plant dye it if the original textile was coloured, use the same stitches as on the original, to use replicas of jewellery which may have been found in connection with the clothes.

If you want your garments to be close to historical correct, you should use a textile that they actually used in the Viking age. When you think about Viking clothes you might think of thick and rigid textiles, and many even imagine potato sacks… The Vikings were very, very skilled craftsmen and they could spin very thin thread and weave very fine and thin fabrics with beautiful patterns. The fabrics that are found in graves varies of course based on how rich the persons in the graves were.

Mainly they used wool, linen and some silk. The silk was often imported, and they often had vivid patterns and colours. The silk is often found cut into narrow strips regardless of the pattern on the fabric. In the Oseberg ship they found a lot of cut silk. Also, in Birka and Pskov they have found silk fabric. Keep in mind that these graves were rich graves.

When it comes to colors, we know that the Vikings knew how to dye with plants and such. Some colors were easier to get your hands on and some you had to pay a lot to get. Ordinary people, free farmers and others probably had plainer colours and natural coloured wool, like brown, grey and other colors that the sheep may have had. The richest had stronger, richer colours like red and blue for example. There are many examples of coloured textiles found in different graves.

When it comes to the shape of the garments, it has changed a lot throughout the different periods of history. Especially the general shape of the women's has been quite distinctive. It has changed a lot too during the history. During the Viking age they knew the tailor trade quite well. Depending on the geographical area and the period within the Viking age, the garments change very little. It seems like practical means were important as well as the aesthetics. Decorative details as different shaped necklines (Skjoldehamn, Guddal and Viborg are good examples here), silk fabric details (Oseberg), and braided decorative bands (Skjoldehamn, again) were some ways to “pimp up” the clothes.

I will give you as much description with all my clothes on offer. If there is something you can’t see on the website that you have in mind then just ask. If I cannot help you I am sure I can find someone who can!