Stem post roughout

This roughout for an oak stem post was found with a stem post 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 post is roughed out from a single piece of oak. The stepped edge was for fitting side timbers.

A small oak tree, perhaps one growing on the nearby mainland, has been used to make this roughout, perhaps in a boat building yard on Eigg. The roughout had probably been soaked deliberately in water to keep it easy to work.

Record details

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

Online ID:	000-100-043-937-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 5
Date:	Between 885 and 1035
Material:	Wood
Dimensions:	340 mm H x 110 mm L x 1870 mm W
What:	Stem post, boat
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Inverness-shire, Eigg, Laig
Event:
Description:	Wooden roughed-out stem post for a clinker-built boat of Viking type, from Eigg
References:
Translations:
Related Records:

< 1 of 1 > Back