lánskjara

Lánskjara is an Icelandic term that translates literally to "loan-work" or "loan-labor." Historically, it referred to a system where a tenant farmer or cottager owed a certain amount of labor to the landowner as part of their rent or tenancy agreement. This labor was often provided during busy agricultural periods, such as planting or harvesting, and was a common practice in Iceland's past, particularly from the medieval period through the 19th century.

The specifics of lánskjara varied significantly. The amount of labor required, the type of work, and the duration were typically stipulated in the lease agreement. This system was a way for landowners to ensure they had sufficient labor for their farms without needing to pay wages for all their workers. For tenants, it meant a portion of their rent was paid in physical work rather than solely in money or produce. While it provided a means of sustenance and land use for the less affluent, it also represented a significant obligation and could limit their own farming activities. The practice gradually declined with the modernization of agriculture and changes in land ownership and labor relations.