Sledge

Four sledges were found in the Oseberg burial mound. The two first sledges to be unearthed were very ornate and were named after the archaeologists who excavated them: Schetelig and Gustafson. Later a utilitarian sledge was found, and after that yet another magnificent sledge, called "the fourth sledge", was discovered.

The simple sledge was built with loose sides made of planks placed on the frame. The sides were fastened in the corners with bands of osier, a type of willow. The sledge was in such poor condition that it was impossible to assemble all the pieces. In order to get an impression of how it once looked, a copy was made, based on Gustafson's field notes and drawings.

The three other sledges were were completely covered with decorative carvings and were probably used for special occasions. They were all built the same way: a box without a bottom was placed on the frame of the sledge, and was fastened to the frame with ropes. The sledges have had a drawbar fastened to the front, and were drawn by two horses.

It is apparent that several different wood-carvers worked on these sledges. The wood was originally light, and the details in the carvings were accentuated with colours. On the Gustafson sledge, tin-plated nail heads were also used as part of the decoration.

The fourth sledge had been used so much that its runners were severely worn. For this reason, a new runner had been attached underneath to protect the original runners, which were decorated with ornate carvings.

The remains of a sledge were also found among the Gokstad grave goods. The parts that remain are richly carved, and show that like those found in the Oseberg burial, it was a sledge for special occasions and not everyday use.

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