ABSTRACT
It can be problematic studying everyday history of marginalized people, often because of the lack of sources about their lives. With the increasing use of objects as a source of the past, history has gained a new perspective on this part of society. Thus, the material wealth found in Icelandic probate inventories from the 19th century is a rich source about the individuals listed in these archives, their life and social status. This article aims at investigating the material culture of two distinct groups from the fringes of Icelandic agricultural society in the 19th century, servants and widows. Being a servant or a widow became the fate of many Icelanders in this period. It was a natural and often only a temporary position for people to be in, but at the same time, they were not accepted as a full member of the society. Studying their belongings from the inventories, it is possible to get a better understanding of how it went about in their daily life. Thus, this chapter aims at disclosing the way in which the archival sources can inform us about the marginalization of servants and widows.
