The chieftain’s house at Lofotr Viking Museum is an overpowering recreation of Viking Age longhouses. Like many longhouses, both of Viking communities and around the world, it takes the shape of an oval with a convex roof, and is constructed primarily of natural materials, wood and turf. The building has various entrances along its length and is separated into five sections: the living quarters, the trash heap, the feast hall, the storage room, and the farm (byre). The interior and roof are supported by wooden pillars with intricate carvings. The museum combines the assumed aesthetics of Viking living spaces with modern innovations—lighting, exit signs, etc. During the Viking Age, longhouses would often be used as both an abode for the chieftain, his family, and his workers (usually working at the farm) and as a communal space. Most notable in this specific structure is the feast hall, where ceremonies were held and the chieftain displayed his power.
Image 1: Chieftain’s house (reconstruction).jpg (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/Chieftains_house_%28reconstruction%29.jpg)
Image 2: Viking museum Lofotr.jpg (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Viking_museum_Lofotr.jpg)
Image 3: Senja 17 080.jpg (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/Senja_17_080.jpg)
500 AD - Original community is established
1986 - Archeological Excavation project begins
1995 - Reconstruction completed, museum opens