Our vision states, among other things, that we “shall build reconstructions of ships, artifacts, and textiles found in Vestfold.” With one of the Oseberg barrels now recreated, we have taken another small step forward.
By Einar Chr. Erlingsen
The magnificent Oseberg find contained hundreds of well-preserved artifacts, most of them made of wood or textiles. Among these were also two large barrels, constructed from oak staves with ash barrel hoops. Nothing is known about their original use, but the theory that at least one of them contained drinking water for the crew seems quite plausible.
So, what will the new barrel be used for? Let’s reveal the secret right here and now: It will conceal modern navigation equipment, which we need to have on board our own ship, Saga Oseberg, for both safety and practical reasons.
Regardless of past and present use, the taller of the two barrels has now been replicated by our skilled boatbuilders under the leadership of Jan Vogt Knutsen. Egil Sagerøy and Bård Kjølsrød both took part in the construction and agree that it has been a fun project and a refreshing change from shipbuilding. The Museum of Cultural History generously allowed us to use their drawings to ensure that the barrel was made correctly in every detail.
Vestfold—with both the Gokstad and Oseberg finds—has enough artifacts to keep us busy for many, many years to come. But step by step, we are getting closer to realizing our vision.
