Cheyenne Olander and Lars-Erik Åkerlund stand beside a reconstructed ancient male grave. Olander's interest in historical recreation began 15 years ago at Visby Medieval Week. She originally attended to meet people, party, live fantasy, and drink beer. Then it quickly led to heavier historical pursuits, Åkerlund notes with a laugh.
Olander initially felt unenthusiastic about living north of Stockholm when she moved in with Åkerlund on Västervägen in Häggvik two years ago. She decided to find something exciting in the area. Her search led her to the Historical Museum's database of local archaeological finds.
She discovered a remarkably well-preserved belt from the late Viking Age. The artifact came from an excavated cist grave located just 200 meters from their apartment building. This discovery sparked her current historical reconstruction work.
At her kitchen table in Häggvik, Olander demonstrates reconstructed historical footwear. She initially wondered why the heel was so high but discovered it protected the Achilles tendon during testing. She holds a wooden bowl that was cracked and repaired with silver wire, exactly replicating the original grave gift with its 11th-century repair.
Olander has practiced historical reenactment for many years. She describes it as the nerdiest form of nerdiness. Her work brings ancient Scandinavian life back to modern audiences through meticulous research and craftsmanship.
Historical recreation requires deep research into archaeological finds and ancient techniques. This growing hobby connects modern Swedes with their Viking and medieval heritage through hands-on experience. The attention to detail in Olander's work shows how ordinary people lived and solved practical problems a millennium ago.