The wagon

The wagon from the Oseberg burial is the only one found in Norway thus far that dates from the Viking Age. It was old even before it was placed in the grave, probably having been made before the year 800.

The wagon is constructed with wheel shafts that support a Y-shaped frame made of beech. This supports a pair of trestles that carry the detachable body of the wagon, which rests on the trestles. The frame, made of oak, is built of horizontal planks that are riveted together in a similar fashion to the strakes of a boat. The wagon has two shafts of ash that are attached to a short iron chain. The wagon was probably drawn by two horses, one on each side of the shafts.

The trestles that support the frame of the wagon terminate in carved male heads. No two heads are alike.

The wagon is richly carved. Some of the carvings are typical Viking animal style ornamentation, while others are of a different type. On one of the long sides there is a scene depicting a horseman, a dog, and a man and woman on foot. On the front of the frame there is a portrayal of a man lying on his back, being attacked by serpents.

In the Viking Age there was probably no network of roads suitable for driving a wagon, and therefore this wagon is generally thought to be a ceremonial object which was used in religious processions. In Denmark and northern Germany, the remains of similar wagons have been found. With few exceptions, these wagons have been buried in the graves of wealthy women.

Text based on:
A. W. Brøgger, H. Schetelig: Osebergfundet. Published by the Norwegian State in 1917

Arne Emil Christensen: Kongsgårdens håndtverkere,  Osebergdronningens grav, vår arkeologiske nasjonalskatt i nytt lys. 1992
- Fører for Vikingskipshuset. 1984
Anne Stine Ingstad: Osebergdronningen hvem var hun? Osebergdronningens grav, vår arkeologiske nasjonalskatt i nytt lys. 1992