Utilizing the method of wood taxa analysis, archaeologists have successfully distinguished between imported, driftwood, and native wood uncovered at five Norse farmsteads situated in Greenland.
For countless years, historical accounts have alluded to the dependence of medieval Norse colonizers in Greenland (AD 985-1450) on external resources such as iron and wood. Nonetheless, the specific origins of these imported wooden materials have remained an enigma until recent breakthroughs.
Taking on the challenge, Lísabet Guðmundsdóttir, a researcher hailing from the University of Iceland, embarked on a fascinating exploration of timber sources and their distribution in Greenland. Her investigation homed in on examining the remains of wooden artifacts unearthed at five Norse settlements situated in the western part of the island. Within this collection of sites, four were characterized as modestly-sized farms, while the fifth stood out as an esteemed episcopal manor.
The Norse period in Greenland, spanning from AD 1000 to 1400, has been the subject of meticulous investigation employing advanced radiocarbon dating techniques and artifact analysis. Lísabet, the researcher behind this comprehensive study, aimed to uncover the intricate history of timber usage and distribution in Greenland during this period.
Through a thorough examination of the cellular composition of ancient wood found at archaeological sites, scientists were able to accurately identify the specific tree species or genera involved. Recently, the remarkable findings from this study were published in the prestigious journal Antiquity.
Surprisingly, the results revealed that a mere 0.27% of the analyzed wood could be unequivocally traced back to imported timber, including oak, beech, hemlock, and Jack pine. These specimens clearly originated from distant regions.
Additionally, a significant 25% of the overall wood examined displayed characteristics that suggested either imported wood or driftwood. This diverse category included larch, spruce, Scots pine, and fir, representing a fascinating blend of potential sources, ranging from foreign origins to naturally transported timber.
Considering the absence of hemlock and Jack pine in Northern Europe during the early second millennium AD, it becomes evident that the wooden artifacts discovered in medieval Greenland were sourced from North America.
The recent discovery provides solid evidence that supports the accounts recorded in historical sources, affirming the Norse’s acquisition of timber from the eastern coast of North America. According to the sagas, explorers like Leifurheppni, Þorleifurkarlsefni, and Freydísall returned to Greenland from Vínland with valuable wood resources.
In Norse Greenland, driftwood held great importance and served as a crucial resource, complementing potential imports. It constituted a significant portion of their overall collection, surpassing 50% in composition.
Apart from driftwood, the inhabitants also obtained wood from Europe, including popular species like oak, beech, and Scots pine. These diverse sources contributed to the variety of wood available. It is plausible that certain wooden items, such as barrel staves, were imported as pre-fabricated objects. Additionally, repurposed ship timber might have been utilized in the construction of buildings across Greenland.
