Gall-Ghaidheil: The Western Isles in the Viking World
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Late 10th/Early 11th Century rune stone and cross from Cille Bharra, Isle of Barra. |
The Vikings occupied the Hebrides for nearly 500 years, from the end of the 8th century until 1266. They left a profound impression on the culture and history of the Western Isles. Yet until recently, this important period and the Viking contribution to the islands has been somewhat neglected.
This major exhibition seeks to redress the balance and will explore the Viking settlement of the islands and their place in the wider Viking world through original artefacts of the period, reconstructions, photographs and specially commissioned graphic works.
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Brooches and belt buckle from a Viking woman's grave, Valtos, Uig, 9th century AD. |
The exhibition falls into two main parts. The first explores the background in Scotland and Norway to the Norse settlement of the islands, the position of the Western Isles in the vast Norse cultural sphere and the legacy of Norse settlement. This will be interpreted by important local Norse objects from the museum's own collections and from the collections of the British Museum and other museums - including the internationally known Lewis Chessmen and major Viking silver and gold hoards from the area.
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Viking 'hack silver' hoard dating to around AD 990 - AD 1040, found in a cowhorn purse in Stornoway Castle grounds. |
In the second part, the focus will be on the everyday life of island communities during Norse times - their homes, occupations, transport and religious life.
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This section will feature material from recent excavations in the islands and the reconstruction of the interior of a Norse house with replica furnishings, domestic and craft utensils.
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Viking boat stem, 9-11th century. This unfinished wooden post end was discovered in the peat on the island of Eigg in the 19th century. |
DEMONSTRATION AND ACTIVITY DAYS
VIKING CRAFTS, COSTUME AND GAMES
Have you ever visited an exhibition or looked at pictured in a book and wondered how ancient technology actually worked? Local craftspeople will by dyeing, spinning and weaving in Museum nan Eilean using techniques and equipment that are similar to those used here in Viking times.
Come and watch wool and flax being turned into thread.
See the yarn being woven on the upright loom.
Watch wool being dyed using local plants.
Meet local craftspeople still practising these skills, have a go yourself, ask questions, gain a better understanding of what life may have been like when everything had to be made by hand.
Come and play the Viking board game Hnefatafl.
Dress up in Viking clothing.