Taproom Artifacts: Viking Culture

Southern Norway map, flanked by Viking shields and throwing axes.

In the hallway the back of the taproom, a large tapestry is bookended by two shields and a pair of axes. These items are connected to Scandinavia, and in particular, the age of Vikings. Between the 8th and the 11th centuries, the Scandinavian people were expert seafarers and journeyed throughout Europe as well as Africa, Asia, and North America. Indeed, they were the first Europeans to visit North America and even settled for a time in Newfoundland. The name “Viking” comes from a language called “Old Norse” and was originally a verb. To Viking meant to attack, pillage, and steal from another community. But the Vikings were far from the bloodthirsty brutes depicted in popular culture today. They didn’t wear horned hats and they were expert fishermen, craftsmen, traders, and farmers.

The artifacts on display include a map of Southern Norway during the heyday of the Vikings. It provides a view of the many settlements/kingdoms where the Viking culture was strong. Two shields are hung beside the tapestry and are excellent representations of shields utilized by Vikings. The dragon shield depicts the famed battle between Thor and Jormungand as the world ends. The axes on display are replicas of a throwing axe and a two-handed axe used by Vikings.