Most professionals, throughout their careers, strive to create or discover something new, innovative and exciting. PARABOW has acted as a vehicle to fulfil these, so often frustrated ambitions, for all members of the project. The 'state-of-the-art' work undertaken in relation to the Icelandic archaeological explorations by Steinunn Kristjánsdóttir, Jóhanna Bergman (East Iceland Heritage Museum), Libby Urquhart (Grampus) and Nicola Macchioni and Simona Lazzeri (Instituto per la Ricerca sul Legno), has been of importance in a truly pan-European, even global, scale.
The 12 wood samples taken from graves, hearths and postholes in the Thörsstaôur dig were examined in Florence through a scanning electron microscope and nobody could have predicted the astounding results. That tree species, not found in Iceland, were discovered was not in itself surprising. The combination of tidal drifting and subsequent use of driftwood was fascinating, the fact that it came, we believe, from such different locations as Norway, Northern Russia and Siberia is interesting. The use of indigenous alder and willow reflects the shortage of wood - these species are not used in buildings through choice, even as fuel. The most important find was the Lime (Tilia spp.) which was not present in Iceland or any of the Northern European areas from which drift could have occurred. In the United Kingdom, in the 10th century lime was not found north of Derbyshire, due to its requirement for warmth and light for pollen tube extension - thus reproduction, it was present in Ireland and may indicate and underline the Icelandic Viking / Irish Gael / Celtic link.
In the earlier excavation of the church at Geirsstabir, Steinunn had discovered birch timbers of appreciable dimensions utilized, it is thought, for door posts; this had prompted discussions with Thorarrin Benedikz of the Icelandic Forest Research Station about the likely presence of such large dimensioned birch in 10th century Iceland. An intriguing puzzle is forming about the Vikings use of wood in daily life and particularly in their buildings. The questions posed and hopefully to be answered by PARABOW include…
The Vikings were obviously very adaptable and used materials on hand - what prompted them to bring timbers from distant lands and other parts of their island?
Was there any significant timber trade?
Was there any religious / spiritual significance to the use of certain timbers?
Were the Vikings able to accurately assess the stresses imposed on timbers by certain architectural designs and building techniques?
Did the Vikings practice silviculture and actively manage their dwindling woodland resources for some future production goal?