Stem post

This oak stem post for a boat is one of two found in peat at Laig on the isle of Eigg in the Inner Hebrides. Although it is in the tradition of Viking boatbuilding, we know little about native boatbuilding, and it might be for a native boat.

The stem is made from a single piece of oak. The stepped edge was for fitting side timbers. The wood had probably been deliberately soaked to make it easier to work.

The Vikings built their boats by riveting together overlapping timbers (clinker building), with a high prow and stern, and a keel. These ships had a shallow draught and could land on the beach. They were able to sail along coasts or over long distances.

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID:	000-100-043-936-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.IN 4
Date:	Between 885 and 1035
Material:	Wood
Dimensions:	300 mm H x 1930 mm L x 120 mm W
What:	Stem post, boat
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Inverness-shire, Eigg, Laig
Event:
Description:	Wooden stem post of a clinker-built boat, from Laig, Isle of Eigg
References:	Grieg, Sigurd. Viking Antiquities in Scotland (=Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland, Part II, ed. by Haakon Shetelig). Oslo: H. Aschehoug & Co., 1940, pp 179-80.
Translations:
Related Records:

< 1 of 1 > Back