Objects

The Laws of the Land consist of twelve parts:

The layout of this exhibition follows the structure of the Laws of the Land, after a short introduction creating the backstage for the creation of the medieval Norwegian legal code. In this section, we give an overview of the objects exhibited in the physical exhibition following this structure.

 

INTRODUCTION

  • BRM 62/2, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Profiled soapstone from the blind frieze behind the thrones at Haakonshallen.
  • 62/114 & BRM 62/115, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Console heads once standing next to Håkonshallen’s windows, now replaced with copies.
  • Copy of a soapstone portrait of Magnus the Lawmender. The original hangs in Stavanger Cathedral and must have been made during the reign of his eldest son, King Eirik Magnusson, who ruled from 1280 to 1299.

PROLOGUE

  • NB Ms.4 1, on loan from the National Library of Norway: Dating from the beginning of the 14th century, this is one the oldest preserved copies of the Laws of the Land.
  • ubb-diplom-0035, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections, UiB: With this letter, sent from Oslo and dated 22 February 1349, King Magnus VII Eriksson (1319–1374) gave Lemonsjøen and Høydalsvatnet back to the people of Lom and Vågå in Innlandet, which had previously been taken from them.
  • NRA 1 B b-c, on loan from the National Archives of Norway: Dating from 1180 or a little later, these manuscript fragments are parts of the oldest known Old Norse law text written on parchment.  

SECTION ABOUT GOING TO ASSEMBLIES

  • MA 513/2, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Bronze church bell from Sandeid kirke, Vikedal. Probably cast sometime between 1250 and 1300.
  • Bd 55, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Wooden calendar stick with carved initials and years, the oldest from 1624. Unknown provenance.
  • ubb-ms-1550-4, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections, UiB: Fragments of a calendar from the end of the 12th century, reused as a book cover.
  • ubb-diplom-0080, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections, UiB: This charter from Bergen, dated July 10th 1413, is a good example of archiving practice. It contains copies of four earlier charters.  

CHRISTIANITY SECTION

  • MA 1, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Altar frontal from Nedstryn Church, Stryn. Eight painted medallions show the legend of the theft and recovery of the Holy Cross. Date: 1300-1325, possibly from the Church of the Apostles at the royal estate in Bergen.
  • MA 230 , University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Triptych from Trondenes church, Troms with representations of St Olav and St Sunniva, dating from ca 1480 and probably produced in northern Germany.
  • MA 294, University Museum in Bergen, UiB: The saint King Olav from Røldal stave church, Ullensvang, dating to the mid-13th century.
  • MA 332, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Wooden saint sculpture from an unknown church representing a standing bishop, dating to ca 1280.
  • MA 689, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Gold finger ring set with an amethyst from Hernar, Øygarden, probably a bishop’s ring. Middle Ages.
  • BRM 1282, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Gilded copper alloy pendant, found in 2022 at Vetla Rokne, Voss (14th or 15th century).
  • MA 151, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Copper alloy signet with depiction of St. Olav enthroned and flanked by two angels, dating to the 13th century.
  • ubb-ms-1836-1, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections: Two joining parchment fragments from a 14th century codex with the Laws of the Land.
  • ubb-diplom-0257, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections: A charter witnessing legal acts in front of the church at Voss.
  • Reproduction of the Urnes portal from Urnes stave church, Luster. Belongs to the University Museum of Bergen, UiB.
  • MA 59, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Iron door ring, from Tønjum church, Lærdal. A runic inscription covers most of the ring.
  • MA 281/a-b, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Two door fittings from Flæte Church, Vik, made of copper alloy and iron, probably from the 13th century.
  • MA 56/1, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Door ring of copper alloy and iron from Fana church, Bergen, dating to ca. 1325-1350.
  • ubb-ms-0791-b, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections: Parchment fragment from the 14th century from a codex containing the Byzantine legislation Corpus Juris Civilis commented by scholars at the famous medieval University of Bologna.
  • ubb-ms-1184, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections: Copy of illuminations from Codex Hardenbergianus (GKS 1154 fol.) made by Mary Wright Bech.
  • BRM 0/794/1 & MA/348/b, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Two styluses of copper alloy for writing in wax.
  • BRM 0/37586/1, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Wax tablet with wax remains from Bryggen, Bergen. 1248-1332.
  • Copies in a showcase representing the art of the scribe:
    • Vellum sheet for writing.
    • A pen knife used to cut and sharpen quills.
    • Quill made from a wing feather.
    • A lead pencil used to draw up lines for the scribe to follow.
    • Copper alloy pen.
    • Glass inkwell.
    • A wax tablet used as a wax writing surface.
  • Modern material from a showcase illustrating the art of making colours in the Middle Ages:
    • Vellum, parchment, base material
    • Gummi arabic, solid
    • Dissolved gum arabic, binder
    • Chalk, filler in ground, England
    • Lead
    • Lead white pigment, very toxic!
    • Red bole (clay) France
    • Ochre, Italy
    • Gold ochre, pigment
    • Orpiment mineral, Spain, extremely toxic, contains arsenic!
    • Gold leaf 23,75 K
    • Gold powder, shellgold, possible to eat
    • Lapis lazuli, Afghanistan
    • Lapis lazuli, pigment
    • Malachite, Kenya
    • Malachite pigment
    • Zinnabar, Spain
    • Zinnabar, very toxic, contains mercury!
    • Dyer’s madder (Rubia tinctorum), Turkey
    • Dyer’s madder, pigment (extract)
    • Caput mortum (scull), pigment, harmless
    • Bone black (made from burnt bones), pigment

LAND DEFENCE SECTION

  • Original weapons:
    • B 11213, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Double-edged sword from Hildenes, Nordfjordeid, Stad. Dated to 1100–1300.
    • B 6537, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Sword cross-guard from Brekke, Stryn. Dated to 1300-1500.
    • BRM 0/65010/1, BRM 0/23612/1, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Two arrowheads from Bryggen, Bergen. Dated to 1170–1198 and 1413–1476 respectively.
    • B 11314, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Battle axe from Valåker, Stryn.
    • B 11302b, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Socket axe from Grov, Gloppen, typical of the Middle Ages.
  • Weapon replicas:
    • Reproduction of complete warrior equipment.
    • Helmet or “kettle hat” based on several Norwegian originals. Forged by Anders Helseth from Helseth’s Hammer.
    • Heavy battle axe based on Norwegian medieval finds. Forged by Anders Helseth from Helseth’s Hammer. The handle is made by Anders Dragesund.
    • Spear based on Norwegian specimens. Forged by Anders Helseth from Helseth’s Hammer. Shaft by Anders Dragesund.
    • Arming sword typical for the period 1270-1350, produced by Tod Cutler.
    • Shield made after European originals from the 13th century and planks covered with half-tanned leather.
    • Chainmail made by AllbestStuff.
    • A “two-wood bow” laminated from birch and reaction wood from pine. Made by bowyer Ivar Malde from Kviljo Buemakeri.
    • Arrows made after finds of shafts and arrowheads from Bryggen in Bergen. Bjørnar Hasle and Dag Sunde have made a dozen (12) each.
  • 0/12274/1, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Rune stick from Bryggen, Bergen. A war fleet is incised on one side, and a ship and the inscription "Here travels the brave at sea" on the other. Dated to 1248-1332, most probably early in the time span.
  • ubb-diplom-0010, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections, UiB: This charter from Bergen, dated March 6th 1329, confirms that Alfinn in Gjerde and Ogmund Ivarsson had delivered their levy tax from Voss to the royal estate, including live and slaughtered animals, skins, butter, malt, and grain.
  • Bd 3896, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Bidding stick made of ash wood and iron, dating 1818-1844.
  • BRM 0/20302/1, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Bow fragment from Bryggen, Bergen, dated 1198-1248.
  • MA 58/1, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Iron candlestick shaped like a longship, from Dale church, Luster. Probably from the 13th century.  

HUMAN INVIOLABILITY SECTION

  • ubb-diplom-0034, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections, UiB: This charter, dated August 7th 1348, concerns a killing that took place in Bergen in the spring of that year.
  • ubb-diplom-0130, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections, UiB: In this charter from Borgund in Sunnmøre, dated April 8th 1453, Sæmund Olavsson apologized for insulting Sigurd Torleifsson in a drunken state.
  • ubb-diplom-0150, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections, UiB: This charter from Lista in Agder, dated November 26th 1465, concerns the examination of some witnesses about a dispute between Torgeir Aresson and Jon Torkelsson, who had drowned.
  • BRM 76/11238, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Bollock dagger with wooden handle from Bryggen, Bergen.
  • BRM 346/3362, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Bollock dagger with bone handle from Vågsbunnen in Bergen, dated to 1425-1450.
  • B 7150, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Quillon dagger from Trå, Voss, dated to 1350–1480.
  • B 6916, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Rondel dagger with handle of copper alloy, bone and wood, from Eikenes, Stryn. Dated to 1425–1525.
  • BRM 0/5500, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Knife with wooden handle from Bryggen Bergen. Dated to 1332-1393.
  • BRM 19/1, University Museum of Bergen: Knife with bone handle from Koren Wibergs plass, Bergen.
  • Replicas of utility knives and daggers from the Middle Ages.

LIST OF INHERITANCE

  • MA 108 University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Drinking horn with gilded copper fittings from Sulen, Gulen. 15th or 16th century.
  • HOM 9134a, Hordamuseet, Bymuseet in Bergen: Bridal crown made of gilded silver from Møkster, Austevoll, probably from around 1600.
  • BRM 1074/1 University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Silver alloy finger ring from Spurkland, Alver.
  • Bd 12879, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Ale bowl made of wood, painted and decorated with a vine motif and script, dating from the transition from the 16th to the 17th century.  

LAND REDEMPTION SECTION

  • ubb-diplom-0002, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections: One of the earliest preserved charters from Norway, dated May 26th 1293, concerns a settlement of borders between peasants of Indre and Ytre Bleie in Ullensvang.
  • ubb-diplom-0023, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections: This charter from Undredal, dated May 2th 1340, certifies that Eindride Erlendsson sold the farm that he had inherited from his mother to Arne Torgeirsson with the intention of redeeming it for the same sum after 10 years.
  • ubb-diplom-0138, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections: This charter from Strandebarm, dated February 25th 1457, is a witness of the fact that also women had allodial rights in medieval Norwawy.
  • ubb-diplom-0161, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections: This charter from 1476 certifies that a certain Torkild gave a landed property as a pledge to his nephew Arnfinn.
  • ubb-diplom-0261, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections: This charter from Vikøy in Kvam, dated September 29th 1564, offers insights into one of the most important aspects of allodial land management, namely the so-called allodial witnesses.  

LAND TENANCY SECTION

  • BRM 0/3897/1, University Museum of Bergen UiB: Round stone fishing net sinker from Bryggen, Bergen. Dated to 1248-1332.
  • BRM 0/16316/1, University Museum of Bergen UiB: Soapstone sinker for fishing line from Bryggen, Bergen. Middle Ages.
  • BRM 0/89090/1, University Museum of Bergen UiB: Soapstone weight from Bryggen, Bergen. Dated to 1198–1248.
  • BRM 0/41974/1, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Iron fishing hook from Bryggen, Bergen. Dated to 1198–1248.
  • B 9481, University Museum of Bergen UiB: Iron arrowhead from Botn, Voss, probably used for hunting. Unclear dating.
  • B 3461, University Museum of Bergen UiB: Iron ard share reinforcement from Stryn. Unclear dating.
  • B 6821, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Iron reinforcement for a spade from Bergen. Unclear dating.
  • B 11828b, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Iron bell from Tessdal, Voss. Viking Age.
  • B 5907e, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Iron bell from Naterstad, Kvinnharad. Viking Age.
  • B 4157b, University Museum of Bergen UiB: Iron cowbell from Flatekvål in Voss Municipality. Unclear dating.
  • X 13146, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Iron horseshoe of unknown provenance and age.

TRADE SECTION

  • BRM 0/37844/1, University Museum in Bergen, UiB: Wooden rune stick from Bryggen, Bergen. Dated 1332-1413, closer to 1332.
  • BRM 0/8098 & BRM 0/11486/1, University Museum in Bergen, UiB: Bone dice from Bryggen, Bergen. Dated to 1332–1393 and before 1413 respectively.
  • X 13536, University Museum in Bergen, UiB: Wooden measuring stick, possibly a cubit measure for measuring cloth. Unknown origin.
  • X 13638, University Museum in Bergen, UiB: Glass painting showing a man in Renaissance costume weighing a bundle of stockfish with a bismar scale. Date: 1607.
  • X 13731, University Museum in Bergen, UiB: Bismar balance from Osterøy, made of oak with an iron S-hook in a rope. Unknown age, probably 18th or 19th century.
  • B/12624/15/01-05, B/12624/17, B/12624/19, B/12624/31/1, B/12624/49, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Pottery sherds from Vindenes, Øygarden, from the archaeological survey of the medieval farmstead Høybøen.
  • BRM 631/1, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Square copper alloy weight, connected to King Christian V’s weight reform from the 1680s. Unknown location.
  • BRM 632/1, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Pear-shaped copper alloy weight. Unknown location, Middle Ages.
  • BRM 1032/1, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Horse-shaped weight made of copper alloy from Enge, Etne.
  • BRM 1298/1, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Horse-shaped copper alloy weight from Sæbø, Etne.
  • BRM 0/27517, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Lead seal from Bryggen, Bergen. Dated 1332-1413.
  • B 6484, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Eight counterfeit coins from Kalfarlien, Bergen (out of around 1,800 specimens that were found). They were minted as pennies by Eirik Magnusson, who was king 1280-1299.
  • Coins of Magnus the Lawmender (from the University Museum of Bergen, UiB):
    • MA 348/15: Bracteat 1263 – 1280
    • MA 348/20-2: Penny 1275 –1280
    • MA 348/37-7: Farthing 1275 –1280
  • Coins of Eirik Magnusson (from the University Museum of Bergen, UiB):
    • MA 348/20-3: Penny ca. 1295 –1299
    • MA 348/12: Penny ca. 1280 –1285
    • MA 348/23: Halfpenny ca. 1285 –1290
    • BMM 3213: Halfpenny 1285 – 1290
    • BMM 3509: Halfpenny 1285 – 1290  

THIEVES’ SECTION

  • X 13565, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Whip handle from Valdres made from a twisted ox penis with iron fittings. Unknown origin and dating.
  • MA 254, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Large bronze key to Eidfjord church, Eidfjord.
  • BRM 0/47891 & BRM 0/50321, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Iron keys from Bryggen, Bergen. Dated to 1476 and 1332–1413 respectively.
  • BRM 0/40441, University Museum of Bergen, UiB: Copper alloy key, from Bryggen, Bergen. Dated to 1248–1332.  

LAW AMENDMENTS

  • ubb-diplom-0214, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections, UiB: This charter from Vereide, dated May 14th 1542, is one of the oldest known charters written on paper with seals printed on the bottom part of the paper.
  • ubb-ms-0558, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections, UiB: The paper codex Norigs Riiges Laugbog dates from 1588 and contains the Laws of the Land in Danish translation.
  • ubb-ms-0065, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections, UiB: A translation to Danish of the Laws of the Land prepared during the reign of King Fredrik II (1534–1588) but published in 1589.
  • UBB, Librar 0031, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections, UiB: The Norwegian Code by Christian IV from 1604, the first printed version of a Danish translation of the Laws of the Land.
  • UBB, Librar 1027, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections, UiB: The Norwegian Code by Christian V published in 1687 replaced the Laws of the Land.
  • ubb-ms-0081-a, University of Bergen Library, Special Collections, UiB: 18th century copy on paper of a 14th century manuscript on parchment with the Laws of the Land in the Gulathing version in Old Norse (AM 56 4to from the Arnamagnæan manuscript collection at the University of Copenhagen).

EPILOGUE

  • UBB, Juss: Paus, Hans, Samling af Gamle Norske Love, 1751 (the first modern Danish translation of the Laws of the Land).
  • UBB, HF: Taranger, Absalon. Magnus Lagabøtes Landslov, Kristiania 1915 (the first Norwegian translation of the Laws of the Land).
  • UBB, HF: Keyser, R. & Munch, P.A., Norges gamle Love b. 3: Fra 1280 til 1387, Christiania 1848 (the first critical edition of the Laws of the Land).