Step back in time at Viking market

Over the course of around 20 years, the Viking Market on Åland has grown to be one of the biggest in Europe. The prehistoric Viking society Fibula started the market in 2000 in Kvarnbo, Saltvik, a location that has seen a wealth of finds from the Late Iron Age. New finds have also shown that the village was an important trading hub at that time. On the site of the market, the society has constructed a permanent Viking village, which is home to artisans, minstrels, musicians, and Vikings during a three-day event every July. Visitors are treated to everything from handicraft stalls selling textiles, ironwork and leather goods, and Viking-style food and drink, to demonstrations of dancing, music, and combat.

When Åland photographer Alice Åkerblom was given the assignment, she could picture clearly how she wanted to present the theme:

“I thought it was great fun to get this request, and when we discussed the motif,

I immediately pictured the women and children in front of me. I wanted to capture a gentler side that you might otherwise overlook, as the battles and chieftains generally take centre stage. You can’t really plan a picture like that. You just go in with an inkling of an idea and wait for the right moment to materialise. And then it’s a case of capturing that moment and the right feel. I feel very happy and proud of the result!”

People are also Alice’s preferred subject to photograph.

“I like having people around me. That’s also the case with my artistic endeavours, whether it’s documentary, art, or advertising. Having a person in front of the camera or a group of people behind it striving collectively towards a creative goal is so enjoyable! I also like working with natural light. The sun as a sharp, crisp light source, or dense cloud that mutes things and creates a soft, romantic light,” says Alice.

FDC Sepac - Traditional markets

Price: €3.40 Code: 416-000444

444 SepacTraditional markets

Date of issue: 27 July 2023

Photographer: Alice Åkerblom

Design: Johanna Finne

Edition: 45 000

Denomination: Lokalpost

Stamp size: 40 × 26 mm

Sheet size: 2 × 16 stamps

Paper: 110 g/m²

Perforation: 13 per 2 cm

Process: 4-colour offset

Printer: Cartor Security Printers

Alice Åkerblom grew up in Åland and is now, once again, based in Åland where she works as a freelance photographer. She draws inspiration from both the Åland archipelago and the buzz of the big city with its crowds of people.

@aliceakerblom

The first day cover shows men and women dressed according to the period, parading to mark the opening of the Viking Market, led by the chief, Tom Danielsson, chairman of the prehistoric Viking society Fibula. The emblem of the society can be seen on the banner. The stamp sheet and first day cancel show handmade jewellery sold at the market.

The Year of the Dragon is the next motif to appear on Åland Post’s stamp series featuring Chinese zodiac animals. Artist Martin Mörck has given free rein to his creativity with this year’s miniature sheet to be issued on 20 October.