Woolen Viking Age Cloak

Description of the Product

Iron Age cloaks are very versatile piece of clothing that fit almost all outfits giving style and depth of character. During Iron Age cloaks like this performed many tasks, as it kept the wearer warm and dry as outerwear, you could wrap yourself in it to sleep like you would use a blanket and of course the cloak also protected other clothes from wear and soiling. Iron Age cloak is a nice historical garment because it can be used also in the modern world, basically like a giant scarf, providing warmth and protection in the same way as it did thousands of years ago. You can wear the Iron Age cloak on you in many different ways each making a new style for you, it is suitable as a sitting or sleeping pad, a blanket, and you can even make a bag out of the cloak in the blink of an eye. Cloak has been an integral part of clothing in many cultures, as it protects the wearer from the elements, is fast and easy to put on and take off, and it doesn’t restrict arm movement.

These cloaks were made based on Finnish grave finds. During the Iron Age of Finland, the edges of women's formal wear (or festive clothes) were often decorated with bronze spirals, and the bronze preserved fabric intact underground until our days, so thanks to properties of bronze we were able to make these cloaks match the originals. If you wish, you can also add bronze spiral decorations to your cloak, if you want more decorative historically accurate cloak. The weave of the cloak is the same 2/2 twill and 100% wool that was used in original Iron Age and Viking Era cloaks. This type of weave forms lines on the surface of the fabric. We decided to further emphasize the visibility of these lines by choosing two slightly different shades of color for the weft and warp when making the cloaks.

Based on cloaks discovered in Iron Age graves, the ends of cloaks had fringes, and naturally fringes can be found on this cloak also. Fringes on cloaks started to fall out of fashion during the Crusade Period in Finland, but were commonly found on cloaks until this.

Made from 100% soft recycled wool, this cape is not as heavy or thick as our other woolen cloaks. This cloak can also be used during summer and autumn evenings and nights, indoor parties, etc., when you really don't need very much extra warmth and protection from rain and wind from your cloak. In terms of thickness and warmth, the thickness of this cape is roughly equivalent to a modern standard neck scarf. This cloak would suitable for example as a shoulder scarf draped around you when going to a theater. Historically, a winter cloak would have been slightly thicker, which means that this cloak is not sufficient as the only outer garment during winter when it's very cold.

Cloak like this is typically fastened with one brooch on the shoulder or in the front, but the cloak can be worn even without a brooch. You can also use two brooches, in which case the cloak is hung from both shoulders hanging on your back. Any brooch from our selection can be used with this cloak (both big and small, regardless of the material), so you can freely choose the one that suits your style best. The cloak doesn't come with brooch.

• The size and style are copied from Finnish Viking Age burial finds, but similar cloaks were used throughout Europe
• 100% handmade and authentic. Even the weave is same (2/2 twill) as in the originals
• The twill weave forms lines on the surface of the cloak, just like in the originals. These lines have been emphasized by choosing yarns of different shades for the weft and warp
• Both men and women used these same cloaks as outerwear during Iron Age
• Size approx. 105cm x 200cm (dimensions without fringes)
• Suitable for users of all sizes
• Made of soft 100% recycled wool
• Made to be used during summer and autumn nights/evenings to give warmth and style. Not suitable as the only outerwear during winter against severe frost. Historical winter cloaks would have been slightly thicker
• Available in 6 colors: dark grey, light brown, blue, green, yellow and off-white
• Off-white version can be easily dyed by yourself, if you for example like traditional vegetable dyeing
• Brooch not included. You can freely purchase separately any brooch from our selection that suits your style or use any you already have at home
• Made by Karhunhammas – Beartooth