Graffiti

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This graffiti etched on slate is one of several rough sketches depicting ships found at Jarlshof in Shetland. The drawings were made sometime between 800 and 1100.

The graffiti depicts a ship with a high bow and stern under full sail.

The inhabitants of Jarlshof made use of the abundant local supplies of stone for building, everyday objects and drawings. The sketch shows some of the features found on excavated Viking Age ships, which were capable of long distance travel.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-042-681-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HSA 791
• Date: Between 800 and 1100
  
• Material: Sandstone; drawing of ship, high prow and stern, mast, vertically striped sail
  Slate / carving
  
• Dimensions: 8.50" x 6.50"
  
• What: Slate / carving
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
  
• Event:
• Description: Carving of a Viking ship on a slate, from Jarlshof
  
• References:
• Translations:
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