Crafts
There is sometimes a difference of opinion as to what constitutes a ‘craft’ as many people have different ideas of what does indeed require skills over and above ‘things they can do’. One general definition is that a craft actually produces something, for example the craft of leather-working produces shoes, or scabbards, or belts, etc. spinning produces thread, etc.
But as always there are exceptions, such as gaming, which seems to produce nothing but does require definite skills. Most games such as hnefatafl improve the understanding of military tactics and therefore do produce something, even if it is intangible.
The list of crafts demonstrated at a show is huge, including cookery, textile crafts, leatherworking, boneworking, pottery, woodworking and jewellery making.
At a larger show you might even find a blacksmith working a forge.
Member of our group can be approached and spoken to. We try to have a good mix of activities for the public to have a go at, such as grinding flour using real quern stones, handling authentic beads, braiding, drop spinning and challenging us at authentic Viking games.
