As we leave 2023 behind, the enduring advice from Eleanor Roosevelt, “Do one thing every day that scares you,” deeply resonates. This encouragement to embrace adventure inspired me to delve into the intriguing realm of Viking ice skates, originating from the 10th century AD. These skates, constructed from horse bone and leather, provide a fascinating peek into historical lifestyles. My initial exposure to bone ice skates at the Jorvik Viking Centre and the Yorkshire Museum sparked a unique expedition to explore and understand this archaic winter travel method.
The Fascination with Viking Skates
My intrigue with Viking ice skates started during a visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre, where I encountered a pair made from bones. This curiosity, mixed with a dash of daring, once led me to consider crafting my own skates. However, I quickly realized the difficulty of obtaining horse metacarpals in the UK. By chance, I found that Amber Wolf had successfully made a pair, which she sold at the Jorvik Viking Festival. This fortunate discovery laid the groundwork for my upcoming adventures.
Historical Insights into Bone Skates
Bone skates are not a new find; they have been discovered throughout the Viking realm, with significant discoveries in Dublin, Hedeby, and Birka. Particularly in historical York, 42 bone skates were found at Early Medieval Coppergate, mostly made from horse bones, although a few were from cattle. A seminal paper by Küchelmann & Zidarov (2005) offers crucial insights into the origins and crafting techniques of these bone ice skates, enriching our understanding of their historical context.
Design and Creation of the Skates
The Viking skates I own are replicas of item number 7122 from 16-22 Coppergate, dated from the mid-9th to early 10th century. These skates feature a distinctive toe hole, which differs slightly from the original design. They also include a fragment of a wooden peg, probably used for securing the skates to the feet with ropes. Like the authentic ones, my skates are crafted from the leg bones of horses, naturally curved to aid in skating.
Technique of Viking Skating
Viking skaters used sticks to propel themselves on the ice, as bone skates couldn’t slice through ice like today’s metal blades. This technique demanded significant upper body strength, in stark contrast to the leg-centric motion of modern skating. It remains uncertain whether these skates were used solely for transportation or also for recreational purposes, but they likely served both functions.
Experiencing Viking Skating
Keen to test my skates, I headed to a temporary ice rink in York over the Christmas period, with my friend Ceara for support. To my surprise, the bone skates were quite comfortable and matched well with my York turnshoes. The skates were secured using a cord threaded through the front hole and wrapped around my foot, with my body weight helping to maintain stability.
Challenges and Observations
Skating on Viking ice skates was a strenuous endeavor. The reliance on a stick for propulsion limited mobility and demanded substantial upper body effort. Despite the snug fit and comfort, the inability to cut into the ice made skating laborious and somewhat awkward. However, the skates proved to be an effective means of crossing ice, certainly more efficient than walking in turnshoes.
Conclusion
My voyage into the world of Viking ice skates has shed light on the genius of ancient craftsmanship and connected me deeply with history. While modern skates with metal blades have surpassed the efficiency of bone skates, the historical and functional value of these ancient tools is still remarkable. As we step into 2024, let us continue to seek out new experiences and unravel the secrets of history. Wæs hæl!
