Skjoldehamn Braided Tassel Belt

The 1936 discovery of what has become known as the Skjoldehamn find provided one of the most complete outfits from the Viking Age. Named after the Skjoldehamn farm in Andøya, northern Norway, the preserved textiles have gone on to inform nearly a century of study into the field. The anaerobic conditions of the bog led to near immaculate preservation of the outfit and the body - indeed, when first discovered, it was assumed that the body had been buried in the 18th Century!

The preserved outfit consisted of a hood, an outer woollen jacket, an inner woollen tunic, trousers, leg wraps, socks cut from wool cloth, leather shoes, ankle bands, and this item, a braided belt.

Take this opportunity to own a relatively rarely reproduced aspect of this outfit with this Skjoldehamn belt, which has been hand braided in naturally dyed wool. The wool was handspun from Icelandic fleece. It makes a handsome and appropriate accompaniment to a Skjoldehamn hood, a part of a larger Skjoldehamn impression, or looks quite striking when worn by itself.

This braided belt is 190cm (6' 3") in length and 1.3 cm (1/2") wide. It is hand braided with 100% plant dyed* wool and would make an excellent cloth belt for your Late Viking Age and Early Medieval re-enactment. This design features colours produced cochineal (red), weld (yellow), and indigo (blue).

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*Plant dyed wool is beautiful but will require special care to maintain vibrancy and colour fastness. All tablet woven wares are wet finished by Knarr Traders prior to sale to prevent shrinkage, set twist and avoid colour bleeding. Refrain from regular washing. If washing is required, soak in cold water. Do not agitate, scrub or wring wet wool. Dry flat in shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight for prolonged periods.