The Performance of Viking Identity in Museums

The Performance of Viking Identity in Museums explores the representations and uses of Vikings in museums across Iceland, British Isles and Norway.

Gudrun D. Whitehead is an assistant professor in Museology, University of Iceland. She focuses on the display and uses of cultural stereotypes such as Vikings, subculture, the uncanny and disruptive elements of society, including horror, punk, human remains and unconventional museum displays.

Introduction: Introducing the Vikings Part 1. Guide us through storms that whip: Methodology and case study analysis Chapter 1. Case studies analysed Chapter 2. Visitor and staff interpretations of the exhibitions Part 2: Fara á brott með víkingum: Historical Vikings and images of the past Chapter 3. The Viking Age and the Viking image: A brief overview Chapter 4. Are You a Viking? The current image of Vikings Chapter 5. Collective Memory and the Viking image Chapter 6. Creating Meaning: Representation of Vikings in Museums Part 3. This Viking sure is striking: Present day influences and uses of Vikings Chapter 7. Historical distancing Chapter 8. Identity creation in museums Chapter 9. Nationalism Chapter 10. Otherness of past and present