The Classic Viking Appearance

Researchers have long sought to uncover the true appearance of the Vikings. Through the study of artifacts and evidence left behind by the Vikings and those they encountered, historians have unveiled several intriguing details.

Viking men and women bore a strong resemblance to each other, unlike the more pronounced differences seen in modern Scandinavian populations. The Viking population was ethnically diverse, indicating influences from various regions. Contrary to popular belief, not all Vikings were blonde; many had dark hair. Vikings were generally shorter than people today, which can be attributed to the nutritional and environmental conditions of their era. Their clothing was simple and homemade, designed for practicality and to withstand the harsh climate they lived in.

Despite the absence of written records from the Vikings themselves, thorough research has enabled us to gain a clear understanding of their appearance. These findings offer a glimpse into their daily lives and how they adapted to their environment.

Viking Facial Features

Many people picture Vikings with harsh, rugged features, long beards, and battle scars. However, these portrayals are not entirely accurate. Studies of skeletal remains suggest:

• Viking men and women had similar facial features, unlike modern Scandinavian men and women. This means their appearances were more alike, with less distinction between genders.
• Male Vikings likely had softer jawlines, giving them a more feminine look compared to today's standards.
• Female Vikings might have had more pronounced bone structures, giving them a more 'masculine' appearance by modern standards. This challenges the typical image of Viking women seen in popular media.

These findings provide a more nuanced understanding of Viking facial features, showing that they were more diverse and complex than often depicted.

Did Vikings Use Makeup?

Popular media often shows Vikings with painted faces, but there is no historical or archaeological evidence to support this. However, there are third-party accounts that suggest Vikings wore eyeliner made of kohl, which was common in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and parts of Northern Africa. This eyeliner, made from substances like ground antimony, burnt almonds, and lead, served both aesthetic and practical purposes by reducing sun glare.

These accounts highlight the Vikings' connection with other cultures and their adoption of practices that suited their needs. It also shows that they were concerned with both appearance and functionality in their daily lives.

Viking Hairstyles

Women. Viking women typically had long, well-kept hair that could be styled in various ways. Common hairstyles included a knot at the back of the head with hair hanging down like a ponytail. Evidence of these styles can be seen in runic stones, small figures, pendants, and the Oseberg tapestry.

These hairstyles suggest that Viking women valued grooming and appearance, using their hair as a way to express individuality and status within their communities.

Men. Hair and beards were important to Viking men. They often combed their hair regularly, as shown by numerous combs found in archaeological sites. Some sources describe Viking men's hairstyles, such as the reverse "mullet," with long hair on top and short at the back. Beards were also well-groomed, as seen in carvings from the Oseberg ship burial.

These grooming habits indicate that Viking men took pride in their appearance, using hair and beard styles to convey their identity and social status.

Viking Clothing

Although clothing often decays quickly, enough fragments have been found to understand Viking attire. Contrary to the belief that Vikings wore dull, basic clothing, evidence shows they favored colorful garments, especially red and blue. Wealthier Vikings wore luxurious fabrics like silk, decorated with buttons and ribbons. The harsh Scandinavian climate required durable clothing.

This evidence reveals that Vikings had a sense of style and used clothing to display their wealth and status. Their choices in clothing materials and colors indicate a sophisticated approach to fashion.

Men's Clothing. Most Viking men did not participate in raids; instead, they stayed home to hunt, gather, and farm. Their clothing was durable and insulating, often made from wool for warmth. Typical outfits included a shirt, trousers, and a loose-fitting tunic. In colder weather, they wore woolen leggings and a thick cloak fastened over one shoulder.

These practical clothing choices reflect the daily life of Viking men, focused on functionality and protection against the elements.

Women's Clothing. Viking women managed households and had many responsibilities, impacting their clothing choices. Inner layers were made from linen, while outer layers were wool for warmth. They wore strap dresses, similar to apron dresses, held up by shoulder straps and fastened with clasps or ornamental brooches. These dresses typically had long sleeves and extended to the ankles. Like men, women wore woolen cloaks in winter for protection against the cold.

These clothing practices show how Viking women balanced practicality with personal expression, using their attire to manage their daily tasks effectively.

Both men and women wore woolen socks and shoes or boots made from animal hides, with fur trim on outer clothing for added warmth.

 

Viking Ethnicity and Race

The question of Viking race is complex due to the lack of written records. While often depicted as blonde-haired and blue-eyed, research shows that Vikings were more ethnically diverse. Analysis of over 400 Viking skeletal remains revealed that many lacked Scandinavian DNA, suggesting non-Scandinavians joined the Vikings. Some DNA from Viking burial sites in Norway indicates Saami lineage, linking them to Asian and Siberian peoples rather than Europeans.

This diversity highlights the Vikings' extensive travels and interactions with various cultures, leading to a melting pot of genetic backgrounds. It challenges the stereotypical image of a homogenous Viking population.

Additionally, research shows:

• Vikings from modern-day Norway settled in Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, and Greenland.
• Danish Vikings settled in England.
• Swedish Vikings moved east to what are now the Baltic countries.

These settlement patterns reflect the Vikings' expansive reach and influence across Europe and beyond.

Conclusion

The Vikings were a diverse and resourceful people. They had distinct facial features, used practical and aesthetic makeup, and wore durable, colorful clothing suitable for their climate. Their ethnic diversity and unique styles challenge many popular misconceptions. Understanding these details gives us a clearer picture of the Viking world, highlighting their adaptability and cultural richness.

To explore more about Viking clothing and jewelry, consider visiting Triple Viking. Discover the fascinating world of the Vikings and how their legacy continues to influence us today.

FAQs

What did Viking faces look like? Viking men and women had similar facial features, with men having softer jawlines and women having more pronounced bone structures.

Did Vikings use makeup? Yes, Vikings used makeup, specifically eyeliner made from kohl, which served both aesthetic and practical purposes.

What were Viking hairstyles like? Viking women often had long, styled hair, while men groomed their hair and beards regularly, sometimes sporting reverse mullets or other unique styles.

Were Vikings all blonde-haired and blue-eyed? No, Vikings were ethnically diverse with many having darker hair. Some even had Saami lineage, linking them to Asian and Siberian peoples.

What did Vikings wear? Vikings wore colorful and durable clothing made from wool and linen. Wealthier Vikings wore luxurious fabrics like silk with decorative elements.