Bumerke

Many years ago the people of Norway used bumerke. A bumerke is a mark which
people of old put on their property to establish ownership of it. The mark belonged
to only one person, and only grown men could have one. The eldest son might take
his fathers mark after his fathers death. The bumerke was used on weapons. It
was burned on hoof or horn of livestock. It was commonly found on the entrance
door of door frame of the house and was thought to protect the house from evil
spirits. It was used a great deal on documents by those who could not write their
name. The following two burmeke were used on the Bremseth and Fordal farms.

Ivar Olssen
Bremset
Bumerke 1752

John Johnsen
Fordal
Bumerke 1648