suðubúnað

Suðubúnað is a term originating from Old Norse and is often translated as "wage-goods" or "payment in kind." It refers to goods or commodities that were provided to laborers or servants as part of their wages, rather than or in addition to monetary payment. This practice was common in pre-modern economies, particularly in agricultural societies, where money was not always readily available or universally used.

The specific items included in suðubúnað could vary greatly depending on the region, the type of work, and the social status of the recipient. Common examples include food staples such as grain, meat, or dairy products, as well as clothing, tools, or housing. The purpose of suðubúnað was to ensure that workers had access to essential necessities, thereby securing their livelihood and maintaining their ability to perform their duties.

This system of payment was not merely about sustenance; it also reflected the economic and social structures of the time. It provided a direct link between labor and the means of survival, and it could be used by landowners or employers to exert a degree of control over their workers. The value of suðubúnað was often negotiated or determined by custom, and disputes could arise over the quality or quantity of goods provided. As monetary economies developed and became more prevalent, the practice of suðubúnað gradually declined, though elements of payment in kind persisted in various forms for centuries.