SELF SUFFICIENCY AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Most people also kept livestock to get milk, meat, wool and leather. Sheep and goats were common, some people had cows and pigs.
In addition, a variety of natural resources were exploited. Sea birds, grouse, hare, seal and whale were hunted. Eggs from seagulls and eider were collected. Berries, chives and sorrel were sources of minerals and vitamins. Driftwood and turf were used as both building materials and fuel.

Until the 1960’s it was not uncommon that fishermen kept a harpoon gun in their boats. Dolphins and other small whales were shot as the occasion arose. Their meat represented a welcome variety in the diet. The harpoon to the left was used for catching halibut in shallow waters.