Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/642978
At the very beginning of our activity we got involved with an international organization called the Jomsvikings Army – it is the largest world's Viking's era (793 – 1066) reenactment group association. The army is divided into four groups (strom) which include individual teams (elag). Our group belongs to the East Storm which associates teams from Poland, France, Canada and England. THE Nordelag as a group of people which common interest is a "living' history and it associates both people who are professionally involved in the history and those for whom it is "only" a hobby. In one row, stand shoulder to shoulder, the shipyard employees, corporate yuppies, students and their proffessors. An age, social or material status does not matter, but only a passion for a history, an ability to fight and a brotherhood (and love bacon aside). A lifestyle which is connected with being the Viking, makes interested not only men, but the entire families. The persons who have nothing in common with a war craft belong to the Household (contemporary we would qualify them as logistics) because a life in the early Middle Ages is not linked only to fighting. Here, it is worth to mention about the long expeditions with a Viking's boat along the Baltic Sea and a participation in the craftsman's workshops. That, what distinguishes us from many teams, is attaching a great importance to quality and historical correctness both of our civil apparel, and a combat equipment of our mates. We use handwoven linen and wool, encrusted silks as well as leathers and animal furs, which were used analogically a thousand years ago, to create our outfitting. Many elements which is included in our attire is made from such materials as bronze, silver and gold (among others belt fittings, bag elements, scabbards or jewelery). A final effect is a thorough reconstruction of an equipment or a dress typical for a concerned region, people or tribe. Having based on a "technology" of our ancestors we are able to survive a weekend expedition in the field, without using the contemporary conveniences (well, almost without them). Within a scope of our interests are regions of the Baltic Sea area so both the Scandinavian Vikings, the Slavs from a period of the first Piasts, and nomadic people of the Eastern Europe. Who? In what? REENACTING