Although the Oseberg Ship relocation earlier this autumn went seamlessly according to plan, the museum staff are now facing an even more complex challenge. There are several reasons for this.

When the Gokstad Ship was excavated in 1880, it was in a different condition than the Oseberg Ship discovered over 20 years later, and it also received rougher treatment during excavation. When displayed in the University Gardens at the University of Oslo, the ship was divided into two sections, and it was transported to the new museum building at Bygdøy in this state in 1929.

 

Heavier than Oseberg

After arriving at the Viking Ship Museum, the ship was disassembled and reconstructed in its exhibition hall. This means the ship has never been moved in its current assembled state. Furthermore, the ship is heavier and has fewer supports.

– Although the Gokstad Ship weighs over a ton more than the Oseberg Ship, it has only half as many supports. This means the supports carry a much higher load than those of the Oseberg Ship, and the ship can therefore tolerate less movement, says David Hauer, Head Conservator for the relocation.

The stem is particularly vulnerable and has been protected with an additional cover, or 'fatile' if you will, to secure it during the move.

 

A Warship?

When the Gokstad Ship was built around 890 AD, the Vikings already had extensive experience with sailing ships. The result was a highly seaworthy vessel for open ocean travel, with high freeboard and the capability to seal oar holes. There was space for 32 shields along each side of the ship.

– The ship was built for a large crew, with 16 oars on each side and space for a crew of up to 64. The fact that shields were mounted on the ship in the burial suggests it belonged to a man who had a retinue around him, says Professor of Archaeology Jan Bill.

A Large Man in His 50s

There isn't much we know for certain about the man buried in the Gokstad Ship. However, he was in his 50s at least when he died, stood about 185 cm tall, and according to Bill, he must have been a minor king in Vestfold who had support from chieftains in the area. The archaeologist would have liked to know more about the network of the man in this exceptional grave.

– By examining where the objects he brought with him in the grave came from, we can learn more about who he had contact with. For example, one of the smaller boats found in the grave is built in Western Norway, says Bill.

The man buried in the Gokstad mound brought with him numerous fine objects, including a game board, kitchen utensils, a tent, three smaller boats, twelve horses, eight dogs, and two peacocks. Weapons and jewelry were likely removed by grave robbers in the late 10th century.

Read more

• Read more about the relocation of the Gokstad Ship

Watch a short film about the Viking's journeys

The film is produced by Hacienda Film in cooperation with researchers at the Museum of Cultural History, which the Museum of the Viking Age is a part. The film is financially supported by Viking Cruises.