vísbendingarnar
Vísbendingarnar, also known as the "pointer movements," are a series of traditional Icelandic hand signals historically used to communicate information such as weather conditions, navigation, or messages in rural and maritime settings. These gestures served as an oral code among communities where literacy was limited or communication infrastructure was sparse. The system's primary purpose was to ensure safe navigation and facilitate effective communication over distances where verbal or written exchanges were impractical.
Typically, the signals involved specific movements of the fingers, hands, or arms to convey distinct messages.
The origins of the vísbendingarnar are rooted in Icelandic maritime traditions, with the system being passed
Today, the use of vísbendingarnar is mostly limited to cultural demonstrations, reenactments, or educational purposes, emphasizing