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*Birka, Sweden: 90 fragments of fur and 100 feathers [HAGG 1986:p.52] were found. Geijer reports of the following types of fur being found: Squirrel (grave 507), Marten (grave 557), Beaver (graves 539, 619, 956, 968). These pieces for fur were probably used as decoration on womens clothing. [GEIJER 1938: p.133] [HAGG 1986: p. 65]<br>
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==The tanning process==
Oil, alum and vegetable tanning methods where also used in the same manner as tanning leather. These methods though make the skin tighter and less pliable. [THOMSON 1998:p.8]
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Owen-Crocker has written a useful article on this subject and most of the following chapter is based on her work. [OWEN-CROCKER 1998]
{{Evidence
|Literature =
*Einhard describing Charlemagne's dress: "In winter he protected his chest and shoulders with a thorax of otterskin and/or ermine.". Owen-Crocker suggests that this fur jerkin was in use by the Germanic people from ancient times to at least the time of Charlemagne. [OWEN-CROCKER 1998:p.39]
|Archaeology=*Denmark, Hvilehj, arnders. Fur edging. [HAGG 1986:p.57]
|Discussion
}}
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===For Bedding===
*Sweden, Birka. 13 graves show remains of Fur, probably used for bedding. [HAGG 1986:p.53]
*Sweden, Valsgarde 7 & 8. Mattress made of fur, with the fur on the inside, stuffed with feathers. [HAGG 1986:p.53]
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===For sword scabbards==
*England, York. Sheep fleece for scabbard lining. [CAMERON 2003:p.3222]
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See the [[Weave#Piled|Piled Weave]] article for a full description.
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==The use of untanned hides==
===Shoes===
Shoes made from a single piece of untanned hide where still being worn in the Shetland Isles at the turn of the 20th century. [HALD 1972:p.165] Some of these shoes still retained their hair either on the outside or the inside. Known as 'rivlins' in Scotland, 'skin-sko' in Iceland, 'Cuaran' in Ireland or 'pampooties' in the Aran Islands off the western coast of Ireland.<br>
Rivlins can be made from almost any large animal. Usually the shoe was made from the freshly slaughtered animal. Apparently the knee of the hide was much favored to form the heel of the shoe.[HALD 1972:p.167]<br>
*Ireland. 10 finds [HALD 1972:p.156]
===Ropes===
Ropes or cords of whale, walrus and seal skin are mentioned by Ohthere. The walrus was skinned in a continuous spiral beginning at the tail.<br>
A good site about ship ropes is at [http://den.vikingkings.com/PortalDefault.aspx?portalID=117&activeTabID=969&parentActiveTabID=898 Viking Kings AS]
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For more information on other types of Viking Age rope see the [[Rope and Cordage]] article.
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