The archaeological evidence of buttons in Iceland from 1500-1800

Abstract

This paper is research on buttons found from archaeological sources in Iceland in the timeline 1500-1800. The database is based on written sources. The first part of the paper examines a typological study on buttons, both dating from medieval and post medieval times as well as giving an overview of the historical documentation on buttons in Iceland. The second part factors in the database that includes a compilation of buttons found by the author, as well as from the databases from Skálholt and Hólar. The data is examined especially by typology and material, also including examination of decorations and shanks when such information is available. Finally an interpretation of the data is presented as well as suggestions on possible connections with social status.