Norse colonists in Greenland imported North American timber longer than suspected: study
New research has provided a clue into the extent that Norse colonists on Greenland used imported timber from not just northern Europe but also North America.
A recent study, published in the journal Antiquity, found that medieval Norse colonists, who settled Greenland from 985 to 1450, had acquired North American timber for much longer than previously thought.
Researchers say the study shows Norse voyagers also had the means of crossing the Davis Strait between Greenland and Baffin Island up until at least the 14th century.
"This confirms the historical sources, that the Norse did acquire wood from the east coast of North America," a news release from Antiquity says.
The researchers say the colonists' main exports included "exotic" goods such as ivory, walrus skin ropes, live polar bears and narwhal tusks, which would have been traded for necessities such as wood and iron from northern Europe.
They say that medieval sources suggest colonists imported timber from Norway and the northeast coast of North America, with the 11th century site L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland — the only confirmed Norse site on the continent outside of Greenland — possibly serving as a staging post for expeditions.
Using a microscopic method called wood taxa analysis, the researchers attempted to distinguish between imported, drift and native wood from five Norse farmsteads in western and southwest Greenland.
One researcher, Lisabet Guomundsdottir from the University of Iceland, looked at wood from these sites, four being medium-sized farms and one described as a "high-status episcopal manor," all of which were occupied at various points between 1000 and 1400.
Wood-working debris and other unidentified objects: a–c) oak fragments from Igaliku; d) oak fragments from GUS; e) oak shaving from Igaliku; f) beech shaving from Igaliku. (Photographs by L. Guomundsdottir)
The researchers found that of the 8,552 pieces they identified 26 or 0.27 per cent were "unambiguous imports" that included oak, beech, hemlock and Jack pine.
Another 25 per cent were identified as potentially imported wood or driftwood, including larch, spruce, Scots pine and fir.
Of the total, eight pieces of wood, mostly shavings, originated from North America, including seven Jack pine and one hemlock.
The researchers say that because hemlock and Jack pine were not present in northern Europe during the early second millennium, the wood must have come from North America.
Most households, they say, would have used local woodland and driftwood, while native trees would have been unsuitable for larger projects such as shipbuilding and house construction. Instead, the colonists would have relied on imported timber and driftwood.
The use of imported wood also appears to have been limited to higher-status sites as a type of "luxury" item, the researchers add.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
N.S. Progressive Conservatives win second majority government; NDP to form opposition
For the second time in a row, Tim Houston's Progressive Conservatives have won a majority government in Nova Scotia. But this time, the NDP will form the official opposition.
Paul Bernardo denied parole after victims' families plead he be kept behind bars
Notorious killer and rapist Paul Bernardo has been denied parole for a third time after the families of his victims made an emotional plea to the Parole Board of Canada on Tuesday to keep him behind bars.
'We would likely go out of business': Canadian business owners sound the alarm over Trump's tariffs
Business leaders across Canada are voicing concerns and fear over the widespread impact increased tariffs could have on their companies and workers, with some already looking to boost sales in other markets in the event their products become too expensive to sell to American customers.
Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire takes effect
A ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed group Hezbollah took effect on Wednesday after U.S. President Joe Biden said both sides accepted an agreement brokered by the United States and France.
Longtime member of Edmonton theatre community dies during 'A Christmas Carol' performance
Edmonton's theatre community is in mourning after an actor died during a performance of "A Christmas Carol" at the Citadel Theatre on Sunday.
'We need to address those issues': Alberta Premier Danielle Smith won't denounce Trump tariff threat
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Canada should address U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's border concerns in the next two months, before he's back in the White House, instead of comparing our situation to Mexico's and arguing the tariff threats are unjustified.
Loonie tanks after Trump threatens tariffs on Canadian goods
The Canadian dollar fell to its lowest level since May 2020 after Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian goods shipped to the United States once he takes office in January.
Should Canada retaliate if Trump makes good on 25 per cent tariff threat?
After U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian imports on his first day back in the White House unless his border concerns are addressed, there is mixed reaction on whether Canada should retaliate.
'We need to do better': Canadian leaders respond to Trump's border concerns
As U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens Canada with major tariffs, sounding alarms over the number of people and drugs illegally crossing into America, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and some premiers say they agree that more could be done.
Local Spotlight
Video shows B.C. cat bursting through pet door to confront raccoons
Several hungry raccoons were chased off a B.C. couple’s deck this week by one over-confident house cat – who was ultimately lucky to saunter away unscathed.
Trailer Park Boys host Canadian premiere of new movie in Dartmouth
Sunday night was a big night for the Trailer Park Boys, as Ricky, Julian and Bubbles hosted an advanced screening of their new movie in Dartmouth, N.S.
Deer spotted wearing high-visibility safety jacket in Northern B.C.
Andrea Arnold is used to having to slow down to let deer cross the road in her Northern B.C. community. But this weekend she saw something that made her pull over and snap a photo.
From cellphones to dentures: Inside Halifax Transit’s lost and found
Every single item misplaced on a bus or ferry in the Halifax Regional Municipality ends up in a small office at the Halifax Transit Bridge Terminal in Dartmouth, N.S.
Torontonians identify priorities, concerns in new city survey
A new public opinion survey has found that 40 per cent of Torontonians don’t feel safe, while half reported that the quality of life in the city has worsened over the last year.
Longtime member of Edmonton theatre community dies during 'A Christmas Carol' performance
Edmonton's theatre community is in mourning after an actor died during a performance of "A Christmas Carol" at the Citadel Theatre on Sunday.
Beaver shot with arrow near Orillia on the road to recovery
A beaver found with an arrow shot through its torso is now recovering at Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge in Pefferlaw, Ont. after a massive rescue effort.
'I had no idea that they even existed': Family reunites with 80-year-old letters hidden in Winnipeg home
The family of a soldier who fought during the Second World War has been reunited with letters written to him 80 years ago.
The Thriftmas Special: The benefits of second-hand holiday shopping
The holidays may be a time for family, joy and togetherness, but they can also be hard on the wallet.