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Animal heads from the Oseberg burial
Five carved animal heads were found in the Oseberg burial. One of these is too damaged to be displayed. Some of the heads were found with rope running through their mouths, like reins, and all were found with a rattle and a piece of rope.
Rattles from the Oseberg burial
Rattles were found with each of the carved animal heads. Their function is uncertain, but it has been suggested that they might have been musical instruments, sleigh bells or cult objects used in religious rituals.
Saddle from the Oseberg burial
A saddle found in the Oseberg burial. It is made of beech wood.
Riding whip and hoof nails from the Oseberg burial
A riding whip found in the Oseberg burial with iron hoof nails in the foreground. The iron nails would have been used in the winter to give the horse better grip in icy conditions.
Spades from the Oseberg burial
A number of wooden spades were found as part of the Oseberg burial
A pitchfork from the Oseberg burial
A wooden pitchfork from the Oseberg burial
Items related to keeping dogs from the Oseberg burial
The image shows strap mounts on the left, a dog collar (centre) with wooden whistles on either side of it, and the remains of a dog leash on the far right.
Possible decoration from the Oseberg ship
A decorated wooden piece from the Oseberg burial. It is uncertain exactly what it is for.
A parrel and rope tighteners from the Oseberg burial
The parrel (left) was used to fix the sail to the mast on the ship. The rope tighteners would have been used wherever needed in the rigging.
Beckets from the Oseberg burial
Beckets were used for securing ropes on the ship.
Rudder strap from the Oseberg ship
The leather rudder strap was part of the fastenings for the steering oar.
The Gokstad Ship
The Gokstad ship was found in a burial mound at Gokstad in Vestfold, Norway. The ship dates to c. 890 AD and the burial probably took place c. 900 AD. A single male skeleton was found with the ship, but the site had been plundered before excavation…
Gokstad Burial Chamber
This burial chamber was constructed towards the stern of the Gokstad ship. A tall man in his 40s or 50s was buried in it. The chamber was covered with birch bark, and remnants of silk were found between the logs of the roof. The burial chamber…
Tent Boards from the Gokstad Ship Burial
Two of the tent boards from the Gokstad burial affixed to the wall at Vikingskipshuset.
Gokstad Boats
These are two of the boats that were found with the Gokstad ship burial.
Detail of the Mast Seat on the Gokstad Ship
Detail shots showing the mast seat on the Gokstad ship.
Buckets on the Deck of the Gokstad Ship
A bucket on the deck of the Gokstad ship. The shutters for the oar holes are also visible.
Detail of the Oar Holes on the Gokstad Ship
Detail shots showing the oar holes on the Gokstad ship.
Oars on the Deck of the Gokstad Ship
Oars on the deck of the Gokstad ship.
Skeleton of the Man buried on the Gokstad Ship
The man buried on the Gokstad Ship was about 5' 11" to 6' tall (approx. 180cm to 183cm) and was of powerful build. He was in his 40s or 50s when he died.