Birka Bag

Here we have a recreation of a "Birka bag," a type of shoulder pouch colloquially called a "Hedeby bag" based on the better-known finds of bag brackets at Hedeby during the Viking Age.

This particular bag is based upon the aquatic find at Birka of what is believed to be the same kind of wooden bag brackets, for which there has been a plethora of finds abroad of all sorts of shapes and sizes. They appear to function just like those found at Hedeby and elsewhere-- all of them are remarkably similar in design.

These brackets are carved from red oak, shaped by hand, and sealed in teak oil to bring out the natural luster of the wood.

The bag's exterior is made from vintage 20th century fine lightweight wool in a 2/2 black and white herringbone twill. The interior lining is linen, the bright color simulating the vibrant hue one might get from a weld and woad overdye-- one of my favorites. It is hand-sewn to the brackets using green worsted wool yarn, and hemmed using a whipstitch. The strap for the bag is made from thick twisted jute twine. It definitely has a unique look, sure to stand out!

The bag measures approximately 9×9", with a 2" gore in the side to make expansion easier, giving lots of room for whatever you need with you. The brackets are approximately 10" long and approximately 1/8" thick.

This bag is available on my etsy page, just waiting for someone with discriminating tastes who likes it as much as I do!