Infopanel 25

The craft

While tools had to be made by hand on remote farms, cities and trading centers saw the emergence of specialized crafts, which early on became differentiated, for example into blacksmiths for ironworking and silversmiths for jewelry making. 

In addition, shipbuilding was an important profession in Scandinavia. A considerable number of shipwrights and blacksmiths were employed here, producing vast quantities of ship rivets. 
In addition, craftsmen ensured that households were supplied with everyday necessities. These ranged from pottery to turned objects and other carpentry products. Horn and antler processing also played a significant role, as these raw materials were used to make needles, bone combs, and game pieces, among other things.

Textile production

Weavers, dyers, and tanners were responsible for the raw materials used in clothing production. Textile production was primarily based on sheep's wool. The stiff outer coat and the fine undercoat were separated with iron combs and spun into threads using simple hand spindles. The two threads were woven together on high looms. In addition to simple wool fabrics, loden fabrics were also common, which were made windproof and waterproof by fulling and were therefore well suited for outerwear. The wool fabric produced at home had a second important use besides clothing, namely as sails. For this purpose, the fabric was made impermeable and more durable with horse fat and tar. 

In addition, woven wool fabric was also a popular commodity for barter and trade, and was one of the few export items, especially for Icelanders.