Skammgöfum

Skammgöfum refers to a practice primarily associated with Iceland and its historical agricultural traditions. The term, roughly translating to "short enclosure" or "temporary enclosure," describes the use of small, often temporary, fenced areas to confine livestock, particularly sheep, for specific purposes.

These enclosures were commonly used during lambing season to keep ewes and their newborn lambs safe and protected from predators or harsh weather. They also served to facilitate close observation and care of the newborns, which was crucial in Iceland's challenging environment. Furthermore, skammgöfum could be employed to gather sheep for shearing, marking, or before being moved to higher pastures for the summer grazing period.

The materials used for constructing skammgöfum varied, often utilizing readily available resources like stones, turf, or temporary wooden structures. The temporary nature of these enclosures meant they could be erected and dismantled as needed, adapting to the seasonal rhythms of farming. While modern farming practices have largely replaced the need for such traditional methods, skammgöfum remain an interesting aspect of Iceland's rural history and its adaptation to a landscape that demanded resourcefulness and careful management of livestock.