Iconic Costumes: Scandinavian Late Iron Age Costume Iconography [Paperback]

This richly illustrated book presents a selection of the rich and varied iconographic material from the Scandinavian Late Iron Age (AD 400-1050) depicting clothed human figures, from an archaeological textile and clothing perspective. The source material consists of five object categories: gold foils, gold bracteates, helmet plaques, jewellery, and textile tapestries and comprises over 1000 different images of male and female costumes which are then systematically examined in conjunction with our present knowledge of archaeological textiles. In particular, the study explores the question of whether the selected images complement the archaeological clothing sources, through a new analytical tool which enables us to compare and contrast the object categories in regard to material, function, chronology, context and interpretation. The tool is used to record and analyze the numerous details of the iconographic costumes, and to facilitate a clear and easy description. This deliberate use of explicit costume shapes enhances our interpretation and understanding of the Late Iron Age clothing tradition. Thus, the majority of the costumes depicted are identified in the Scandinavian archaeological textile record, demonstrating that the depictions are a reliable source of research for both iconographical costume and archaeological clothing. The book contributes with new information on social, regional and chronological differences in clothing traditions from ca. AD 400 to the Viking Age.

"“Iconic Costumes contributes new information on social, regional and chronological differences in clothing traditions from ca. AD 400 to the Viking Age. It is a richly illustrated book, a reliable source of research for both iconographical costume and archaeological clothing, which will likely give a second life to her methodology and inspire others to continue the work started.” "

SirReadaLot.org (May 2017. Issue 217)

"“An empirically and analytically strong piece of work, and represents an important contribution to the study of both iconography and dress in early medieval northern and graphics… recommended to university libraries and to anyone with an interest in costume and clothing.” "

Medieval Archaeology ()

"“It is a brilliant and innovative piece of research… this book is an essential resource for all those interested in early medieval dress. It must surely become a cornerstone for future research in the field.” "

The Costume Society ()