Hangaroc

A hangaroc (sometimes spelled hangerock or hangerok) was an apron-like outer garment^[1] worn by women of Norse origins and some other northern European cultures in the 8th, 9th and 10th centuries. In its usual form the hangaroc comprised a woollen or linen tailored tube wrapped around the body under the armpits and suspended by a pair of cloth straps that ran over the shoulders, secured by brooches.^[2] It hung down to mid-calf.^[3] The garment was shaped somewhat like a pinafore, and would usually be worn over a tunic-dress called a særk or a kirtle (underdress).^{[4][5][6][7][8]}

A modern replica of a hangaroc

Hangarocs were usually secured by a pair of oval brooches, called "tortoise brooches", which are diagnostic of women's graves from the period.^[9] Wealthier women would wear their hangaroc decorated with braided wool or embroidery.

The red item shown is a hangerok.

Etymology

The word originates from German or Germanic Hängerock. Rock means skirt or (historically) dress in German, while hänger refers to the hanging of items from the brooches.^[10]

See also

• Sarafan