Several of our volunteers in Sandefjord have reached such a high skill level that they are now ready for new challenges: replicating artifacts from Gokstad and Oseberg. Young Theodor Selnes Berqvam has landed an unusual Saturday job!
By Einar Chr. Erlingsen
So far, Oseberg Viking Heritage (OVA) has primarily focused on building replicas of Vestfold’s three Viking ships: Gokstad, Oseberg, and Klåstad. We have also recreated various other objects, mainly from the Oseberg find – such as a wagon, a bed, and rowing chests. From the Gokstad find, we have replicated one of the small boats and produced a large number of blanks that will eventually become shields.
Moving Forward
Roger Pande Løvall is head of OVA’s division at the Viking Park in Sandefjord. He is impressed by the craftsmanship and dedication of many of the volunteers – including some of the younger ones. One is 18-year-old Theodor Selnes Berqvam, who this year had a rather unusual summer job as a Viking craftsman. He did so well that he has now been offered a paid Saturday job at the Viking Park! Theodor is one of several young volunteers on the site who have distinguished themselves through both skill and hard work. For instance, he carved the impressive dragon heads that now crown the top of the smithy. He and several others are now ready for new tasks.
The rowing chests from Oseberg will serve as a model for making chests for the new
Gokstad ship.
(Photo: Museum of Cultural History)
Collaboration with the Museum of Cultural History
Before the summer, Roger visited the Museum of Cultural History (KHM) in Oslo, where he was warmly welcomed by Hanne Lovise Aannestad and Vegard Alexander Vike. They generously shared their expertise about the various artifacts OVA plans to replicate.
“We started with the ‘crew chest’ from Oseberg,” Roger explains. “No such chests were found in the Gokstad ship, so we are using the Oseberg chests as a starting point and making a version adapted to Gokstad.”
Roger is very pleased to have received both measurements and archaeological construction drawings digitally from KHM. He also examined the joinery in the original chests and measured hinges and locks. These will later be recreated by OVA’s young blacksmith, Kristoffer Holmvik.
Wish List – and Funding
The Sandefjord division already has a long list of objects they would like to replicate – and it
keeps growing. In addition to crew chests and shields (see separate article), Roger would like to start work on both the Gokstad tent and another of the small boats (færing). These are fairly large projects that will require substantial funding. OVA currently has several grant applications under review and is hopeful. Getting started with some of these larger projects will be important to keep up the enthusiasm
– both among the volunteers and the visiting public.
Theodor Selnes Berqvam carved the beautiful dragon head that crowns the smithy inSandefjord. Here with former division leader Tore Forsberg. (Photo: Einar Chr. Erlingsen)
Our Vision
This is an excerpt: “…to be recognized for our expertise in the archaeological replication and reconstruction of ships, artifacts, and textiles found in Vestfold, as well as being at the forefront of research through active Viking shipbuilding, operation, and sailing – in addition to craftsmanship and
textile work. Our communication will be based on visible and authentic activities, combined with opportunities for the public to participate in both the work and the experiences…”
Translated from Norwegian by ChatGPT.