Vikings lived in collective families with children, parents and grandparents. Viking women had more rights than most women in Europe during this period in history (8th – 11th Century).As a visible sign of her power, the woman received the keys to the home's supply chest during her wedding. She carried these keys on a belt worn around her waist.

Her duty was to run the house in such a way that the family had enough food during the long, dark winter. She made butter and cheese as well as dried fish and meat. She would have also had knowledge of herbs to make medicine for ill or wounded family members. If she was from a rich family, she had servants to help her.

Viking women also had the duty of running the farm when their husbands were out on trading tours, raids, or went out to hunt and fish. The women spent part of the day spinning wool or flax. They wove the family clothes on a vertical loom. All Vikings wore brooches to hold their clothes in place. Women usually had two brooches to fasten their over dress (apron).

This over dress is made from a Norwegian Coverlet 1850-1900. The weave structure is called "Tavlebragd."

My Apron is in honor of my grandmother Anna, from Skein Norway.

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