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Blacksmithing
WELCOME
Blacksmithing was a crucial skill in the Viking Age, playing an important role in the production of tools, swords, jewelry, and rivets.
Tools such as axes, hammers, chisels and shovels were forged to meet different needs in everyday life. The blacksmiths shaped and hardened these tools to make them durable and functional.
Rivets were also important. They were used to attach wooden structures on boats and many other objects. Forging rivets required a lot of experience, precision and skill.
THE FORGE
The forge is the blacksmith's workshop, and it is where they carry out different blacksmithing tecniques, especially with iron. The most important tools in a forge include anvils and vices, as well as hand tools such as hammers and pliers.
As the blacksmith works, the metal is heated in an ace (an open furnace) until it is red-hot, and then it is formed onto the anvil into the desired shape.
When you visit the forge, you'll see how the metal takes shape and comes to life. Maybe you want to try it too?
THE SMITHS
Most smiths in the Viking Age were blacksmiths, who mainly worked with iron or steel.
The blacksmiths had a high status because of their special expertise, and there are examples of blacksmiths who are buried with their tools.
VIKING SWORDS
The swords of the Viking Age were of great importance both as weapons and symbolic objects.
Viking swords are known for their high quality and were often names carved on the blade.
Most of the swords have been found in men's graves, but in recent times several women's graves dug up in Scandinavia have with contained both swords and axes.
This is pretty good evidence that women in the Viking Age also contributed as warriors.
ARTWORK
The blacksmiths didn't just make magnificent weapons, helmets, and decorated swords.
They were also responsible for creating simpler utensils and objects such as hinges, horseshoes, keys, and rivets.
The blacksmiths created works of art and contributed to a great extent to shaping the Viking Age in the Nordic countries.
Adress
Åsaveien 40
Sundvollen
Norway
Opening Hours (all year)
Saturdays:
11 am - 3 pm
Thursdays:
4 pm - 8 pm
Other days:
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