Almost 800 national relics that have been kept at the Nordic Museum in Gothenburg since the late 19th century are currently on their way home, to the National Museum of Iceland, after an agreement was reached between the museums last spring.
According to the agreement, the national relics will continue to be part of the collection of the Nordic Museum in Sweden, but Iceland’s National Museum will preserve them. They will go on display in summer 2008.
Most of the relics in question are carved wooden objects like chests, headboards from beds and mangling boards. There are also many items that were used in relation to the Icelandic horse, sidesaddles, saddle blankets and different objects made of copper.
Among the objects are also national costumes and jewelry worn with the costumes, printed books and manuscripts. According to a National Museum press release, the items are all a collector’s delight as they are testament to Icelandic craftsmanship and artistry.
