Opinion: In defense of Non-Combat Living History
Please note that the commentary herein is the opinion of an individual contributor and does not necessary represent the collective opinion or position held by the Thegns of Mercia organisation.
On a recent weekend (February 2015) we had the pleasure of visiting the famous Jorvik Viking Festival in York; a unique annual event which brings together diverse groups of reenactors, living-historians, craftspeople, traders and members of the public from across Britain and elsewhere, all united by an interest in the early Medieval period. Jorvik, in particular, is a very 'social' event providing an opportunity for like-minded but geographically dispersed people within what could be called the 'Dark-Age reenactment community' to meet and socialize.
Such gatherings are usually very good natured but, inevitably, one of the common topics of discussion is the relative accuracy, legitimacy or validity of different groups' approaches. Such comparisons offer valuable opportunities for groups to learn from each other and, as long as those involved remain fair-minded and accepting of constructive criticism, are arguably good for all involved.
It was interesting this year that, in conversation with various participants, a common topic of discussion was the legitimacy/validity (or lack thereof) of non-combat living history (as regards the Viking Age or Early Medieval period). In truth I found it somewhat bewildering to see many reenactors challenge the legitimacy of groups which don't focus on, or participate in combat, given that, for my part, I had thought the value of such groups and their contributions were self evident. I was all the more surprised to hear from a number of my colleagues, in subsequent discussion, that they had encountered fellow living historians who had expressed this view.
The challenge can be divided into two: first, that non-combat living historians somehow lack legitimacy or validity, and second, more specifically, that 'living historians' playing the role of warriors, who do not themselves participate in combat reenactment, lack legitimacy or validity.
Arguably, such challenges are most easily rebutted by pointing out that it is up to clients to decide what is legitimate. Non-combat groups do not struggle to find meaningful work.
Nevertheless, as a relatively well-fed, 5ft9 pain-averse living historian with little interest in physical violence, I thought I might use this soapbox to speak up for my kind.
(Most of the observations in the following discussion pertain to 'Dark Age' living history and reenactment, in the UK in particular. Attitudes and practices certainly vary between different living history communities representing different periods, and, of course, vary between different counries).
The terms "reenactment" and "living history", along with their personal forms "reenactor" and "living historian", are relatively modern in origin and can, conceivably, be used in conversation or in writing to mean whatever one likes. To some, these terms are interchangeable; "non-combat reenactment" is a real thing, and it is legitimate for combat reenactors to call themselves "living historians".
It has, for a long time, been my preference to use the term "reenactment" (which inevitably, at least in the mind of the average member of public, conjures up images of ranks of soldiers facing off against one-another) to mean specifically combat or battle reenactment, and the (at least in British circles) lesser-known term "living-history" to refer to other activities beyond fighting. I am sure many would disagree with this framework but it is the one I follow and seems to minimise ambiguity in conversation with clients and the public. As a non-combatant, it would be wrong, I feel, to call myself a "reenactor", while a large proportion of 'Dark Age' reenactors engage in other historic activities and can therefore, with total legitimacy under the described framework, call themselves living-historians too. For reasons of convenience I will therefore, here, use the term "reenactor" to refer to one who engages in combat reenactment and generally recreates an event in history, and "living-historian" to refer to one who engages in other activities which bring a period of history to life.
The value of "Combat Reenactment"
It is worth beginning by recognizing the value of combat reenactment - a pursuit which demands considerable commitment and training. Such events pull in the crowds, delight spectators and encourage interest, and though compromises much inevitably be made for sensible safety reasons, the best reenactors readily acknowledge these and note that the ongoing challenge is to provide a convincing and suitably well-evidenced spectacle within such limitations.
Critics might argue that little can be learned by troops of men hacking and prodding each-other with blunted weapons, but the valuable insights into historical combat techniques and battle strategies eloquently highlighted in works by veteran reenactors such as Kim Siddorn or Dan Shadrake (pioneers in 'Viking Age' and Late Roman / 'Migration Age' reenactment combat respectively) prove that the reconstruction of historic combat techniques is an academically useful pursuit. Their writings, and those of equivalent commentators on other historic periods are well worth a read, even for non-combat living historians.
Thus, at least for my part, when I speak up for non-combat living history and it's place alongside, or even without combat reenactment, I do so with no intention to disparage combat reenactment or denigrate those who choose to participate in it.
The Value of non-combat "Living History"
The first challenge as described in the preamble, that non-combat reenactment or living history is somehow less legitimate or valuable, is, I would argue, so absurd as to seem a "straw man".
It is perhaps "inexpensive" to point out that, in the 6th-11th centuries, as in any historic period, there was more to life than fighting. Even during the most warlike of times, when the fates of entire peoples hung in the balance, the majority of folk were not soldiers and had lives to lead beyond the battlefield. It can be argued that, even if the objective is to portray the way of life of a professional warrior class, a battle-reenactment is not representative, being as battles were relatively rare events (see below). To quote a valuable observation made in a popular medieval fantasy series; "even in war's darkest days, in most places in the world, absolutely nothing is happening."
Thus while combat reenactment recreates pivotal moments in history, where the main players are fighters, non-combat living history is well placed to recreate the "everyday"; the crafts, culture and way-of-life of a wider cross-section of society than is represented on the battlefield. With respect to the so-called "Dark Ages" an excessive focus on combat risks reinforcing the commonly held misconception of the period as brutish, uncivilized and warlike.
The exploration of crafts, culture and way of life of historic peoples is no less legitimate or valuable than the way they fought, and these activities have, if not a broader, certainly a complimentary appeal. While certain visitors to a living history event may enjoy seeing combat, others will prefer to see crafts, listen to music, or learn about archaeology.
There are a large number of groups which specialize in this sort of approach. One prime example, outside of my own specialist period, that springs to mind; "The Tudor Group", truly exemplifies this approach, and has received some considerable recognition in recent years for it.
The appeal of this type of living history is increasingly being recognized, as more and more museums set aside dedicated living history areas in their exhibitions, and history programmes become increasingly dominated not by dry documentaries about the deeds of the elites, but by 'living history' shows from "Wartime Farm" to "Victorian Pharmacy" which explore the way of life of ordinary folk.
There are a large number of groups which specialize in this sort of approach. One prime example, outside of my own specialist period, that springs to mind; "The Tudor Group", truly exemplifies this approach, and has received some considerable recognition in recent years for it.
The appeal of this type of living history is increasingly being recognized, as more and more museums set aside dedicated living history areas in their exhibitions, and history programmes become increasingly dominated not by dry documentaries about the deeds of the elites, but by 'living history' shows from "Wartime Farm" to "Victorian Pharmacy" which explore the way of life of ordinary folk.
The broadness of appeal of non-combat reenactment matters not just to visitors and spectators, but to participants. It is fair to say that some combat-focused groups are not necessarily particularly diverse, and that reenactment can suffer from a problem of appeal. A great many people who would like to be involved in living history in general are not enthused by the macho notion of combat reenactment and would prefer to explore other aspects. Many men, and, it is fair to say, large numbers of women in particular, may be put off altogether by attitudes which place combat at the centre and treat other aspects as secondary at best, and at worst invalid or of little value.
Likewise, while the preoccupation with combat, of some groups, may put off the fairer sex, it can also alienate those who, for whatever reason, cannot participate in such activities but wish to be involved. Young people, folk with disabilities, and older people (including many 'veteran' living historians with decades of experience and a wealth of skills and knowledge) can make fantastic contributions if not alienated by an attitude which places combat above all else and leaves them feeling undervalued.
It is also worth noting that the fruits of the labours of 'non-combat living historians' frequently underpin the entire endeavor. The elaborate clothing, finely made jewelry and even weapons and armour which combat reenactors are so fond of are usually the work of skilled craftspeople who explore history in their own, no less valid way.
Non-Combat "Warriors"
The second criticism leveled at non-combat living history concerns the role of non-combat "warriors". What business do folk who do not fight have marching about the place wearing arms and armour, and what value do they add?
The matter of "status" is one that cannot really be tackled. If a person believes one only has the right to march about in warrior regalia if one has fought reenactment battles, that person is welcome to that view, though few are in a position that gives them the right to enforce that taboo on others. It is worth noting, though, to those who hold this view, that many "non-combat warriors" have in fact accumulated years of experience in practical combat reenactment and have simply chosen to move away from it; indeed, some continue to get stuck in "when wearing different hats".
The value of "non-combat warriors", however, is relatively easy to demonstrate, although unfortunately necessitates dwelling on various drawbacks of combat reenactment. Where simulated combat is concerned, equipment must be adapted to reduce the risk of injury to participants, and in practice this means that all participants are required to have at least a minimal level of protective equipment. In practice, with respect to the period I know best - the Migration Age and 'Viking Age', this typically means that all involved must wear helmets (despite the lack of archaeological evidence for widespread helmet use), all of which must be of a particular gauge of steel far in excess of what is evidenced by archaeological finds. Meanwhile, shields - quite readily damaged in a real pitched battle, are, understandably, made cheaply and more robust than is evidenced, in order to survive more seasons and be more easily replaced.
Weapons are blunted, but also distorted. While having a blunt edge is, in itself, a distortion of a sword's intended shape, swords for use in Migration-Age and 'Viking-Age' reenactment differ from their historic counterparts in having deeper fullers and increased taper to reduce the momentum of sword-strikes and thereby reduce harm caused by blunt-force to the opponent. Smaller edged-weapons are, proportionally, distorted even more, such that seaxes and spearheads, with their broadly rounded tips bear little resemblance to their historic counterparts. Across a troop, swords tend to be over-represented, as these are marginally easier to wield in a 'safe' manner than reenactment spears, which, no matter how blunt, can still feasibly impale fellow participants. These observations alone are to say nothing of the metallurgy of such items.
Risking costly-to-repair damage if taken out on the battlefield and hit with blunt weapons, some well-evidenced items such as elaborately decorated helmets or shields typically don't feature, or, when they do, their decorative elements are "made chunky" or omitted. The general effect is of a more uniform, "plainer" looking, but also more heavily armoured troop than is evidenced - certainly with respect to the early Anglo-Saxon age.
Risking costly-to-repair damage if taken out on the battlefield and hit with blunt weapons, some well-evidenced items such as elaborately decorated helmets or shields typically don't feature, or, when they do, their decorative elements are "made chunky" or omitted. The general effect is of a more uniform, "plainer" looking, but also more heavily armoured troop than is evidenced - certainly with respect to the early Anglo-Saxon age.
Again, these observations are made not to denigrate reenactors or the work they do, but simply to illustrate that there is a place for the display of reconstructed war-gear and warrior accouterments unrestricted by the necessary and sensible limitations associated with combat reenactment.
Again citing a famous group which exemplifies this approach, outside of my own specialist period, the "Ermine Street Guard" are famous across Europe for their convincing representations of Roman troops (principally from time of the Flavian dynasty), and, although they do demonstrate training drills and troop formations, the fact that they typically steer clear of simulated combat allows them to display kit that is arguably more convincing than would be possible otherwise. When visiting one of their events, it is very easy indeed to feel "transported" back in time.
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| Ermine Street Guard at Caerleon. (cc. Mike Bishop) |
Overall, then, I hope I have made a reasonable case for the value of both non-combat living history, and non-combat warriors. There will always be differences of opinion within the living history and reenactment communities, but hopefully most people will recognize that, though approaches may vary, most have their own particular merits.
A.T.
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This conversational 'opinion piece' was written by one of our contributors, and does not necessarily represent the collective opinion or position held by the Thegns of Mercia organisation.