Koen de Vette
We have visited several museums during the run of the course. Among others were the Peter Dass museum, the Herøy museum and the Vefsn museum. Aside from the various collections that we came to see, our objective was to discuss the matters in which a museum could contribute to the globally changing landscape. Surely it should be that reading the countless descriptions accompanying spears, ancient ornaments and what-have-you displayed there are perpetuating some revelation about the societal relevance of those objects being shown there in that moment. In other words, the collections assembled and explained about in museums should hold value as a part of something bigger than knowledge about those individual objects themselves, as a puzzle that could not be completed without the pieces of understanding that museums have to offer.
What puzzle is it then, that needs completion with the help of museums? In my opinion, it could be any topic that is currently relevant in this globalising world. A lot of problems are being addressed at the moment and this is a major cause for concern about the question where this world is going. One needs only to look at the media of today to find the most significant example: the election of Donald Trump as new president of the USA has stirred and shocked the world. He is often perceived as the result of the growing discontent of the people who do not feel represented by the government anymore, a fact Trump cleverly used in his campaign of pointing fingers and making claims to solve it by direct and aggressive countermeasures (e.g. building a wall, kicking out foreigners, stop investing in sustainability etc.) However much I am inclined to frustrate myself over the abyss the world seems to tumble into, effort to raise awareness about these global issues should never be stopped, which is where museums come in the picture. The museum is the place to spread (objective) information over the population, where science, literature, art etc. can be used as a means to this end.
In the case of the museums we have visited in Nordland, the global issues that I have written about were however not particularly highlighted. These museums where a valuable source of information for the local history and important figures which have shaped the area as it is today. In the Herøy museum, we gained a deepened understanding about how Norwegian life -on a farm- must have been in the past. The Vefsn museum was devoted to inform the public about the history Mosjøen and the Peter Dass museum contained all we needed to know about Peter Dass (duh). We should always be aware of the interest that museums might or might not spark in the public. Therefore, in this age of great and constantly fresh information flows, museums should contemplate on their appeal and consider to engage in this problem-laden world by addressing and elaborating on global issues. Naturally, not every museum is in the position to do this. The Vefsn museum for example is concerned with the history of the local region and can therefore hardly be integrating current global issues. However, opportunity should never be ruled out; it is my belief that every museum can trigger the motivation and imagination of the visitor -concerning the ways of life in some way or another- so that the role of museums is never questioned in terms of societal relevance.
mandag 14. november 2016
Medieval Period churches in Nordland
Koen de Vette
The fact that there are only 11 stone churches in Northern-Norway (a huge area covering 113.000 km2) speaks volumes about its history of religion and architecture. Even European cities in central Europe, such as Paris, with a total of 20 stone churches (covering a vastly smaller area), are outnumbering this amount. When we try to make sense of this difference it is of primary importance to acknowledge the geography in the age of expanding Christianity. It started to be of influence during roman times, its origins in the eastern part of the empire. Christianity reached its climax in the Middle Ages, of which the unity of the church was the prime characteristic. The spreading of ‘the true faith’ was accelerating and acknowledged by rulers as a facilitator to unify their domain. Because Norway, particularly Northern-Norway, is located on the outer edge of Europe, it was one of the last areas to be submitted to Christianity. The old, pagan faith was practised for many years after the first attempts to establish Christian faith (999). It is not unreasonable to think that the inhabitants, who were mostly self-sustaining farmers, were a stubborn folk not willing to be influenced by any foreigners who did not know the ways of their culture. Christianity, however, was gaining momentum over the heathen faith, mostly because of political motives. Christian kings from the south, in particular King Olaf, pressured the jarl of the North to pledge their loyalty to this monotheistic faith. Refusing this ‘request’, which in reality was a command, meant that the king would give the chieftain in question a hard time getting by. One by one, the Chieftains were baptized, and those who resisted (for example Red the Sturdy) were rooted out. The culture however, had up to that point not incorporated stone architecture most European countries were applying . Instead, wood was what the Northern people to build all their structures. It was nearly impossible to erect stone churches where knowledge to do so was more than lacking. Eventually some stone churches were built due to the initiative of big estate farmers, who privately invested in the valuable resources and imported experienced stone carvers from the south. Because it required a huge abundance of finances, only a small number of stone churches was erected in the North.
The fact that there are only 11 stone churches in Northern-Norway (a huge area covering 113.000 km2) speaks volumes about its history of religion and architecture. Even European cities in central Europe, such as Paris, with a total of 20 stone churches (covering a vastly smaller area), are outnumbering this amount. When we try to make sense of this difference it is of primary importance to acknowledge the geography in the age of expanding Christianity. It started to be of influence during roman times, its origins in the eastern part of the empire. Christianity reached its climax in the Middle Ages, of which the unity of the church was the prime characteristic. The spreading of ‘the true faith’ was accelerating and acknowledged by rulers as a facilitator to unify their domain. Because Norway, particularly Northern-Norway, is located on the outer edge of Europe, it was one of the last areas to be submitted to Christianity. The old, pagan faith was practised for many years after the first attempts to establish Christian faith (999). It is not unreasonable to think that the inhabitants, who were mostly self-sustaining farmers, were a stubborn folk not willing to be influenced by any foreigners who did not know the ways of their culture. Christianity, however, was gaining momentum over the heathen faith, mostly because of political motives. Christian kings from the south, in particular King Olaf, pressured the jarl of the North to pledge their loyalty to this monotheistic faith. Refusing this ‘request’, which in reality was a command, meant that the king would give the chieftain in question a hard time getting by. One by one, the Chieftains were baptized, and those who resisted (for example Red the Sturdy) were rooted out. The culture however, had up to that point not incorporated stone architecture most European countries were applying . Instead, wood was what the Northern people to build all their structures. It was nearly impossible to erect stone churches where knowledge to do so was more than lacking. Eventually some stone churches were built due to the initiative of big estate farmers, who privately invested in the valuable resources and imported experienced stone carvers from the south. Because it required a huge abundance of finances, only a small number of stone churches was erected in the North.
A day on Herøy and Dønna
Koen de Vette
The municipality Herøy was the first place to visit on our third day of the excursion (2-11-2016). We were brought there by our guide, who picked us up from the ferry. The first thing that catched my eye (as happens many times when travelling in Norway) was the view we had over the relatively flat island, which provided a frontal view on the mountainous area in north-west direction. We stopped at the Herøy church, which is across the street from the museum where we would be going after going to the church visit. We got an elaborate explanation about the founding of it, some stories of the people who ran it and about the architecture of the place. It was rebuilt several times, like most of the other churches we visited. Next was the museum, and by this time most of us were pretty cold because there was no heating system installed. The building itself was built somewhere halfway the 19th century and it was big enough to accommodate at least 20 people. We first went into the kitchen and got information about the different tools people used back in the day to get by. The museum collected many of these items, which not necessarily were part of that household at the time but may have been retrieved from other households as well. The amount of items in the house was mentioned and impressive, if I recall correctly around 25.000, probably even more. We got to walk around freely and what struck me most was the incredible amount of old books, every room you walked into had one or more bookshelves completely stuffed. The biggest surprise of the day was the pizza that we made as lunch, the guide prepared most of the food before the arrival (including moose meat), all we had to do was roll out the pizza and decorate it, after which the guide put it in the stone oven. Boy, how lucky we were, it was delicious!
Anyway, after resting for a bit we went back into the van and headed towards Dønna, where we would visit the Dønnes church and some other places. Our guide suddenly stopped when we were halfway and went looking for something in or around his house, he came back with a moose antler which he gave to me. Earlier we talked about the moose meat and hunting, and when I showed interest he offered me to give the antler he still had to me. I was excited, I wanted to make something out of it, to carve something nice. So next opportunity I had I bought a knife to realize this idea. When we arrived at the church we walked around it for a while, looking at the masonry and trying to recognize different features of it that we were taught about earlier. There was a side building attached to the church, from our guide we heard that it was a mausoleum containing 22 supposedly well-preserved bodies. It was only opened once in the 70’s, which is why it is unknown if they bodies remain as intact as they were then, because of the inflow of air. When the (other) guide finished her story, we went back in the van to go to an artscape nordland site, a circular structure that could move up and down at the sides, depending on where you (and others) were standing. It was funny to run around in circles there, just for the heck of it. The last thing we went to was a stone phallus on top of a hill, however, it was covered to protect it against erosion. The guide had some funny stories about it though, which made the walk there worthwhile.
The municipality Herøy was the first place to visit on our third day of the excursion (2-11-2016). We were brought there by our guide, who picked us up from the ferry. The first thing that catched my eye (as happens many times when travelling in Norway) was the view we had over the relatively flat island, which provided a frontal view on the mountainous area in north-west direction. We stopped at the Herøy church, which is across the street from the museum where we would be going after going to the church visit. We got an elaborate explanation about the founding of it, some stories of the people who ran it and about the architecture of the place. It was rebuilt several times, like most of the other churches we visited. Next was the museum, and by this time most of us were pretty cold because there was no heating system installed. The building itself was built somewhere halfway the 19th century and it was big enough to accommodate at least 20 people. We first went into the kitchen and got information about the different tools people used back in the day to get by. The museum collected many of these items, which not necessarily were part of that household at the time but may have been retrieved from other households as well. The amount of items in the house was mentioned and impressive, if I recall correctly around 25.000, probably even more. We got to walk around freely and what struck me most was the incredible amount of old books, every room you walked into had one or more bookshelves completely stuffed. The biggest surprise of the day was the pizza that we made as lunch, the guide prepared most of the food before the arrival (including moose meat), all we had to do was roll out the pizza and decorate it, after which the guide put it in the stone oven. Boy, how lucky we were, it was delicious!
Anyway, after resting for a bit we went back into the van and headed towards Dønna, where we would visit the Dønnes church and some other places. Our guide suddenly stopped when we were halfway and went looking for something in or around his house, he came back with a moose antler which he gave to me. Earlier we talked about the moose meat and hunting, and when I showed interest he offered me to give the antler he still had to me. I was excited, I wanted to make something out of it, to carve something nice. So next opportunity I had I bought a knife to realize this idea. When we arrived at the church we walked around it for a while, looking at the masonry and trying to recognize different features of it that we were taught about earlier. There was a side building attached to the church, from our guide we heard that it was a mausoleum containing 22 supposedly well-preserved bodies. It was only opened once in the 70’s, which is why it is unknown if they bodies remain as intact as they were then, because of the inflow of air. When the (other) guide finished her story, we went back in the van to go to an artscape nordland site, a circular structure that could move up and down at the sides, depending on where you (and others) were standing. It was funny to run around in circles there, just for the heck of it. The last thing we went to was a stone phallus on top of a hill, however, it was covered to protect it against erosion. The guide had some funny stories about it though, which made the walk there worthwhile.
A day at Alstahaug and Tjøtta
Koen de Vette
We woke up early this day, seven o’clock, the first day after we arrived at our hostel in Sandnessjøen. We went to Alstahaug with a cab. It used to be an important agricultural site were farmers could settle because of the fertile ground there. A big stone church was erected at the center of Alstahaug, next to the Peter Dass museum which was located in a huge carved out rock. The view from the museum was the coastline of Alsta (a municipality in Nordland). We started by taking a walk to Kongshaug, the Kings’ mound, built somewhere between the Iron age and 800 AD. The site had not been excavated that extensively, so it remains hard to tell. T was here that we were taught about many political and geographical details about this site in relation to the rest of Norway during the Viking Age and before. The chieftains, jarl, kings from the south, their political struggle and the expanding domain of the Vikings in vicious times was most fascinating to hear about. The mound being in the center of the story seemed to mystify our milieu at that moment due to a combination of its crooked tree branches, the weird shape of the mound and the sun low at the horizon. Strange shadows were cast which complemented the stories of ancient times told by our teacher there. We walked back to Alstahaug in silence, everyone seemed to be occupied with their own thoughts, which was intensely pleasing to me. I took in all of my surroundings and was having a moment of peaceful contemplation. Back in the museum we got a lecture which elaborated in detail the historical sources of Halogeland and the related saga’s which have been written in the past. After this we went to look at and to be taught about the Alstahaug church, first from the outside (me without a coat, which was less pleasant than I thought it would be), then from the inside. We were told of the basic features of Gothic and Romanesque churches and how we could distinguish those features in this church. Also, we were taught how to spot quality in the architecture of the building. The memory that sticked with me most on the inside of the church, was that we were allowed to ascent the tower of the church, we even went as far up in the tower to see the base wooden construction in the peak of the tower, and the church bell. I liked the freedom of being able to roam around wherever you wanted. When we went back into the museum, the time when we were leaving was told to us, so that until then we could see the museum about Peter Dass for ourselves. At the end of the second floor, just behind the huge windows looking out over the Alsta coast, a comfortable lounge was installed were choir music composed by Peter Dass could be listened to. I only stumbled upon it at the near end of our time there, but luckily I had some minutes left to listen to the music, which was astounding in its capacity to ease my mind and communicating something heavenly even. As my eyes drifted to the details of the coast and blue-greenish tints of the water some few meters away from me, while listening to the piece (Solen på himmelen lukket sitt øye), I felt lucky to be there. Around 13:30 we had to go to catch the bus. We went to a place that at one point in history was of great strategic importance for the Vikings, the Ringtunet -an assambly point for leaders- in Tjøtta. What remained of the ringtunet was only a big open space between the woods and a hill, but at some places at the site remains could be observed of foundations. These were the foundations of 16 houses, each house supposedly accommodating the representatives of one of the 16 regions of the political unit Helgeland. Now Petter told us about this meeting place, how it was coordinatd, what was likely being done there (performing rituals, feasting, debating, adjudicating etc.). Additionally, Petter told us about the role of women in the Viking culture, with Sigrid as a prime example of the independent work ethic women in this culture possessed. The sun was at this moment almost setting and we had to go if we were to catch the bus in time. We arrived at four o’clock at the hostel, now it was dark, everyone was tired and the only thing of note that I (and Liam) did then was going to the town centre to do groceries, Andre prepared the food tastefully and we were all kind of tired and worn out because of this day full of activities.
6. Topic of choise: Against time
Laura Priščáková
How to learn and teach history? We start in prehistoric times, through Ancient Greece, Middle Ages to Modern times in the Czech Republic at school. It is simply to tell stories of past from old to new historical events, chronological. I always try to find new ways how to learn and teach history. I think that exhibition on the second floor of the Nordland Museum show us interesting way. I really liked the idea to start with year 1940 in Bodø...
How to learn and teach history? We start in prehistoric times, through Ancient Greece, Middle Ages to Modern times in the Czech Republic at school. It is simply to tell stories of past from old to new historical events, chronological. I always try to find new ways how to learn and teach history. I think that exhibition on the second floor of the Nordland Museum show us interesting way. I really liked the idea to start with year 1940 in Bodø...
...and go to beginning of the 19th century and after that show visitors history after Second World War.
There is concept of time, on the other hand there are several topics for example Communications or Children and games. Visitors can choose if they want to focus on time and see how Bodø looked like in 1940 to beginning of 19th century or focus on main topics that are related with life in Bodø. My opinion is that this exhibition is great place for teachers and schools to learn about history.
5. Topic of choise: Modern decoration in the Alstahaug
church
Laura Priščáková
There is
„Den bibelske syklus“ – paintings with biblical motives in the Alstahaug
church. It was surprising to see such a modern decoration in the old church.
Author of these oil paintings on wood panels is Håkon Gullvåg. He is well-known
Norwegian artist from Trodhaim. He work with religious motives as well as he
focuses on portraits, decoration and book-project. He is one of the foremost
authors of ecclesiastical commissions in Norway moreover we can see his work
for example in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.[1]
Old church with modern art
There are
several pieces of paintings of biblical cycles in the Alstahaug church. Four of
them were the most interesting for me; paintings of Genesis, Tower of Babel, Crucifixion
of Jesus Christ and Last Supper. It was interesting to compare this Last Supper
and famous Last Supper from Leonardo Da Vinci and the others from different old
paintings in the churches. Colours and arrangements of Gullvåg’s work are similar to old paintings. I
think that figures on the Gullvåg’s paintings are the most different.
Last Supper by Håkon Gullvåg
Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci [2]
In
conclusion I would like to focus on an atmosphere of the churches that we
visited. It is related with the modern art from Håkon Gullvåg in the Alstahaug
church. I always felt well in these churches because the atmosphere was
relaxed. We had our lesson near the altar! I have visited many churches but
they were mostly Catholic. We have old churches in the Czech Republic even
older but they are Catholic and I feel always that I have to be quiet. There
are old paintings and the atmosphere is conservative. It was new experience for
me that the churches could be so open; open to the public (it is normal to have
space for children in the church) or open to new art.
4. A day at Alstahaug and Tjøtta
Laura Priščáková
It was our first day of exploring history of Nordland. I did not know about history of Norway in that time but I was excited about new experiences of Adventures Knowledge. We had to wake up early because of sunset before 4 PM. and our schedule was a little bit full. We went by taxi from Sandnessjøen to Alstahaug, our first stop. First I saw flat area with dominated church and a few houses and the Peter Dass museum afterwards.
It was our first day of exploring history of Nordland. I did not know about history of Norway in that time but I was excited about new experiences of Adventures Knowledge. We had to wake up early because of sunset before 4 PM. and our schedule was a little bit full. We went by taxi from Sandnessjøen to Alstahaug, our first stop. First I saw flat area with dominated church and a few houses and the Peter Dass museum afterwards.
We had first lesson about Vikings and the Middle Ages in Nordland at the Peter Dass museum and I think it gave us the basics for understanding these periods. There were many information and names, maybe too abstracts in this time but we could gradually put together a mosaic with the future field trips and reading texts.
We visited Kongshaugen after lesson which was made between 1800-1000 years BC. Kongshaugen is a burial mound situated in a good location with a great view. This mound was clearly visible for ships and probably it was important spot for this area. One reason for this argument is that „this kind of big Burial mound was often used as an expression of land ownership“[1]. We had time for thinking and talking about Kongshaugen; who built it, why they decided to build a mound here and more question. I appreciate that we could try to find answers and have discussion, not just lecture from teacher.
We visited Kongshaugen after lesson which was made between 1800-1000 years BC. Kongshaugen is a burial mound situated in a good location with a great view. This mound was clearly visible for ships and probably it was important spot for this area. One reason for this argument is that „this kind of big Burial mound was often used as an expression of land ownership“[1]. We had time for thinking and talking about Kongshaugen; who built it, why they decided to build a mound here and more question. I appreciate that we could try to find answers and have discussion, not just lecture from teacher.
We visited the church and the exhibition on the first floor of the Peter Dass Museum and after that we took a bus to Tjøtta where is a church which was rebuilt in 1851. There was short but great meeting with local boys or girls?
We continued our journey. The place where Vikings had their meetings was last stop. This place was something like a parliament of Vikings and I could imagine how it looked in the past. The day was behind us and I realized with the sunset – darkness is coming…
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3. A day on Herøy and Dønna
Laura Priščáková
Dear Diary,
it is long time ago when I wrote my stories of Adventure Knowledge. Today was amazing day! We had free food, again. And it was moose‘s pizza. Poor moose. :(
We had to wake up earlier than yesterday but it was worth it. Sunrise in Norway is beautiful. We took a ferry and our guide waited for us with his car on Dønna. We continued to Herøy
After that we ate pizza and we visited local museum. There is collection of interesting object from different places. We continued to the Dønna church where is the mausoleum. It was our first connection with information about Lutheran Reformation in Norway. From the church we went to Artscape Nordland and we ended our trip visiting the burial mounds. It was almost dark, around the date when people remember their dead love ones and it was spiritual moment for me and a bit scary one…
Dear Diary,
it is long time ago when I wrote my stories of Adventure Knowledge. Today was amazing day! We had free food, again. And it was moose‘s pizza. Poor moose. :(
We had to wake up earlier than yesterday but it was worth it. Sunrise in Norway is beautiful. We took a ferry and our guide waited for us with his car on Dønna. We continued to Herøy
where is a church and a museum. First we visited the Herøy churche which was built in Romanesque and Gothic style but there are many changes.
We talked about the local priests and their importance for community. I do not remember the name of the priest who impressed me. There was big tragedy for community in Herøy in 1901. Fishermen died during the big storm on Sandsundvær and many families lost their husband, fathers and sons. The priest took care about these families. There was big connection between the priest and local people. It was not just about faith it was about solidarity, help and hope. People who are not Christians they may see influence of Church as a negative element for social development especially in the past. For example Giordano Bruno was burned for his ideas that did not correspond with Church’s ideas. I think that world is not black and white. Example of the priest in Herøy is good for shattering our views.
2. Medieval Period churches in Nordland
Laura Priščáková
There are 11 stone’s churches in Nordland from Medieval Period. Compared with other countries such as Italy or France it is not so many. But it is evidence of growing economy, wealth of the region and the influence of Christianity in Nordland.
Herøy, Alstahaug, Dønnes and Gildeskål churches were built by rich farmers. They are situated near by sea which was most important for traveling, trade and fishing. These churches were built in Romanesque and Gothic style but they have changed due the historical events such as the Lutheran Reformation or the needs of the community. Gildeskål is the exception which is more or less preserved[1] but there are changes; open apse with alter or newer transept.
It is hard to say for sure when these churches were built because we do not have written sources. Styles of buildings are helpful for specify when they were built. For example the Herøy church has Romanesque (picture n. 1) and Gothic (picture n. 2) elements. We can identify the 12th (Romanesque window) and 13th (Gothic column) century.
Picture n. 1; Romanesque window
Picture n. 2; Gothic column
There are many possible reasons why they decided to build stone’s churches. Perhaps they wanted to show everyone that they are rich and powerful people, maybe they made it for strong spiritual experience because stone’s building with echo is different from wood’s building or they wanted to fight against paganism. Maybe they decided to build stone’s church because something from stone can stay forever and it gives immortality the person who built it…
[1] Stige,
Morten og Ekroll, Øystein (red.). Gildeskål
gamle kirke. Marmorkirka ved nordvegen. 2014, p. 281.
1. Museums in Nordland
Laura Priščáková
We visited four museums in a few days – Petter Dass, Herøy, Vefsn museums and Nordland Museum. They offer us a different subject of the exhibitions and different ways how to tell stories about history, society and contemporary issues in Norway (Nordland). But there is one important similarity of each museum which we visited: nice guide. :-)
I would like to focus more on the Petter Dass museum. Museum is situated in a beautiful building designed by famous architectural practise Snøhetta AS[1]. Modern architecture stays between two rocky walls, there are many glass windows through which you can see on the other side of building.
There are Café and gift shop on the ground floor, the exhibition not only about Petter Dass on the first floor and library and research facilities on the second floor. There is the church at Alstahaug near by the museum.
The Peter Dass museum tells us stories about life of one of the most famous poet from Norway who was also the parson in the church at Alstahaug. The museum uses modern technologies for narration of Peter Dass’s life. There are short videos, music recordings or photos related with Peter Dass. This exhibition is not only about Peter Dass it is also about history and society of Alstahaug and the connection between past and present. The atmosphere of the museum and technical facilities offer the public nice place for meeting or some lectures.
We visited four museums in a few days – Petter Dass, Herøy, Vefsn museums and Nordland Museum. They offer us a different subject of the exhibitions and different ways how to tell stories about history, society and contemporary issues in Norway (Nordland). But there is one important similarity of each museum which we visited: nice guide. :-)
I would like to focus more on the Petter Dass museum. Museum is situated in a beautiful building designed by famous architectural practise Snøhetta AS[1]. Modern architecture stays between two rocky walls, there are many glass windows through which you can see on the other side of building.
There are Café and gift shop on the ground floor, the exhibition not only about Petter Dass on the first floor and library and research facilities on the second floor. There is the church at Alstahaug near by the museum.
The Peter Dass museum tells us stories about life of one of the most famous poet from Norway who was also the parson in the church at Alstahaug. The museum uses modern technologies for narration of Peter Dass’s life. There are short videos, music recordings or photos related with Peter Dass. This exhibition is not only about Peter Dass it is also about history and society of Alstahaug and the connection between past and present. The atmosphere of the museum and technical facilities offer the public nice place for meeting or some lectures.
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