Medieval Living

I like reading about recreation groups other than the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism). Not that there is anything wrong with the SCA – I’m a member and as a matter of fact will be going to “fighter practice” later this morning. My point is, I really enjoy the perspectives that these other groups have to offer. One group that I learned of recently is the Dark Ages Re-Creation Company (DARC). Out of Ontario, Canada, DARC is focused on Viking civilizations from around 800 to 1000 AD with an emphasis on Northern Europe.
A quote from their website reads: “DARC seeks to create an environment that stresses historic re-creation of the Viking Age through the use of strict interpretation at a ‘role playing’ level and authenticity guidelines regulated by peer review. The primary activity of our events is centered on the ‘camp’, and as such we stress reproducing lifestyle and artefact use. The Company intends to provide a resource of skilled and experienced historic interpreters and physical demonstrators to museums and educational programs.”

Actually, several of its founding members have a background in the SCA. Having some Viking friends in the SCA, I know they will be interested reading about this group, with its emphasis on historical accuracy in the development of their encampments. I borrowed this picture from their site – they are involved in a variety of educational activities, such as museum work and school visits. They are also doing some very interessting iron work, experimenting with a variety of “smelts”. They are also doing alot of research and experimentation on glass beads, which were apparently common Viking artifacts.