Level of ambition and time spent
The project originated from an enquiry about presenting the original axe to the public in one of the museum’s exhibition galleries, utilising a dissemination concept which would allow the public to get up close and engage in conversation with the researcher. This gave birth to the idea of making a replica of the axe in its original condition, so that both axes could be presented side by side. This idea was further developed, and it was decided to produce a replica from authentic materials, using Viking Age technology.
This turned into an extensive and ambitious project. All blacksmithing was carried out outdoors, which in practice meant on public view. However, in order to restrict the level of interruption, the project was not advertised. Rather than engaging in active dissemination while the work was going on, we focused on making sure that the various processes were thoroughly documented, to allow dissemination after the event. Had we opted to engage with the public while carrying out and documenting the work, the project period would have had to be considerably extended and even more people would have had to be involved.
A conversation with the public
An advertised public presentation was held on Sunday 10 April 2016 in the exhibition room at the Viking Ship Museum at Bygdøy. Both the original axe and the replica axe were available for close-up viewing by the public. They were handled and presented by Vegard Vike who had conserved the original axe, and Anders Helseth Nilsson.
Photos and video
Public dissemination of the work carried out under the project was an important objective. The making of the replica was therefore comprehensively documented in photographs and on video, produced by Mårten Teigen and Kirsten Helgeland. Many lessons were learnt and experience gained throughout this long, process-oriented photographic documentation process, and through the use of this documentation after the event.
Further dissemination
In real terms, further dissemination of the axe-making project will involve experimentation with the potential of this type of activity in a museum context, particularly with respect to the new Viking Age Museum at Bygdøy. These web pages are intended to provide an in-depth presentation. Various social media initiatives provide another possible avenue, as does the re-use of the documentation in other contexts. We will also try to contribute to the museums debate in various ways, and will be attending the conference "Multiple Museum Practices – The Museum as Cornucopia".
The project was an outcome of partnership working involving the collection management section and the exhibition and visitors section. The project was headed by Ellen Marie Næss.
