Stem post

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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

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-936-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IN 4
• Date: Between 885 and 1035
  
• Material: Wood
  Stem post, boat
  
• 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:
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