The Tune ship, discovered in 1867, is a significant artifact from the Viking Age. Found at the Haugen farm in Østfold, Norway, the ship is a prime example of Scandinavian shipbuilding during the 9th century AD. The ship’s discovery has provided archaeologists with invaluable insights into Viking burial practices, naval engineering, and the social hierarchy of the time.
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Discovery and Excavation
Archaeologist Oluf Rygh led the excavation of the Tune ship in 1867. It was unearthed from a burial mound, which was typical for high-status individuals in Viking society. The ship was found buried in a mound called Båthaugen, meaning “the boat mound.” This find was significant as it was the first Viking ship to be excavated in Norway.
The ship itself was in a fragmented condition due to the soil’s acidity and previous disturbances to the burial mound. Despite this, enough of the ship’s structure remained to allow for detailed study.
The Tune Ship’s Construction
The Tune ship is a clinker-built vessel, a common technique in Viking shipbuilding. This method involves overlapping wooden planks fastened together with iron rivets. The ship measures approximately 20 meters (65 feet) in length and 4.35 meters (14 feet) in width. It had a mast step, indicating it was a sailing ship, and could likely hold a crew of about 11 to 12 men.
Its construction suggests it was a seafaring vessel, possibly used for coastal voyages. The ship’s design indicates a focus on speed and agility, which would have been crucial for both trade and warfare during the Viking Age.
Burial Practices and Social Significance
The Tune ship was part of a burial ritual for a person of high status, possibly a chieftain. Viking burial practices often involved placing the deceased in a ship, along with goods and sometimes animals, to accompany them in the afterlife. This practice underscores the importance of ships in Viking culture, not just as tools of navigation but also as symbols of power and prestige.
Unfortunately, much of the grave goods were missing when the ship was discovered, likely due to grave robbers. However, the ship’s construction and burial context still provide valuable information about Viking social structures and beliefs.
Preservation and Display
After its excavation, the Tune ship was moved to the University of Oslo for preservation and study. The ship was later transferred to the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, where it remains on display. Despite its incomplete state, the Tune ship is a critical piece of Viking history, offering insights into naval technology and social customs.
The Tune Ship’s Legacy
The Tune ship is one of the earliest and most significant Viking ship finds. It has played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of Viking maritime culture. Its discovery paved the way for future excavations, including the Oseberg and Gokstad ships, which have provided even more comprehensive insights into the Viking Age.
In conclusion, the Tune ship remains a vital artifact for archaeologists and historians studying the Viking Age. Its construction, burial context, and subsequent preservation offer a window into the world of the Vikings, a society where the sea was central to life and death.
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