Hebridean Norsemen

A new exhibition featuring archaeological artefacts from Cardiff University excavations tells the story of the Norse period in the Outer Hebrides from the first arrival of the raiding Vikings to their settlement on the islands.

Hebridean Norsemen, at the Museum nan Eilean, Benbecula, charts changes in the daily life of the inhabitants of the islands, the importance of craft activities and the artistic and religious life of the immigrants.

Archaeological artefacts from a number of sites across the Outer Hebrides are exhibited, including finds from Cardiff University’s decade long archaeological excavation at Bornish in South Uist.

The Director of the excavations, Professor Niall Sharples, of the University’s School of History, Archaeology and Religion, said: “It is a great pleasure to display a selection of the material recovered from Bornais, as they emphasise the importance of the Hebrides in the Viking world...”

A special exhibition

The exhibition also features artefacts from the 30 years of excavation by Iain Crawford at Udal, in North Uist which are a part of the Museum nan Eilean collections. In addition, there will be a small number of artefacts from the Kilphedar excavations led by Professor Mike Parker Pearson, in conjunction with Sheffield University.

Although the finds from both Bornais and Kilphedar are still to go through the formal Treasure Trove procedure, Museum nan Eilean are excited to have them on display in this special exhibition with kind permission from the excavators and Historic Environment Scotland. HES supported, with part-funding through archaeology programme grants, the excavations in Bornish and Kilphedar.

Other artefacts on display are from the Museum nan Eilean collection, including objects from various sites across the Outer Hebrides, many acquired by the museum through Treasure Trove.

“A distinct cultural identity”

Kevin Murphy, Archaeologist for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said: “This exhibition provides a look at life in the Outer Hebrides during the Norse Period - what people farmed and ate, what they wore, the type of work they carried out and their links to the wider Norse world...”

A special event for the local community to come along for a private viewing will be held on Wednesday 21 June from 5-6pm – all welcome.  Staff from Treasure Trove Scotland will be holding talks and workshops throughout the day in Museum nan Eilean, and in Lewis later in the week.

The exhibition runs in conjunction with the Island Book Trust Archaeology Conference which is in Uist between 3 & 5 August. The conference will cover a wide spectrum of archaeological knowledge and interpretation gained throughout the Outer Hebrides, including the investigations at Udal and Bornish.

Hebridean Norsemen will be on display from 9 June until 2nd September in Museum nan Eilean, Benbecula, Outer Hebrides.