This is one of the most iconic artefacts of the Viking presence in the Orkney Islands. Originally part of a boat burial from the beach on the island of Sanday, the plaque is one of the most well preserved of the various plaques that have been discovered across the Viking world.
Originally discovered in 1991 after a vicious storm unearthed the site, the grave consisted of a rough stone chamber within what would have been a upturned 7m boat. The boat had long since rotted away and the chamber itself had at one point in the past been raided by a family of otters, but inside the grave were the remains of three Norse settlers. The grave was dated to between 875 and 950AD and contained - alongside the remains - spindle whorls, combs, gaming pieces, a sword, a sickle and an ornate whalebone plaque at the head of the elderly women. It is still a mystery how the settlers died, how they were related and why they were buried together. The woman took pride of place in the burial whereas the man seemed to have been squeezed into what space remained, almost as if he was not originally intended to be buried alongside them. In fact his foot seemed to have been broken after death just to fit him into the chamber.
The plaque itself is beautifully carved with the heads of two fearsome beasts. Whether they are dragons, serpents or horse-heads it is hard to say. Many of these plaques have been found but no-one is certain of their use. Some have certainly been used as cutting boards but it is suspected that their primary use was as smoothing boards for particularly high quality linen. At least one board was found with what is believed to be a polishing stone made of glass. The prestigious nature of these objects, including the materials used, the craftsmanship and the prominent positioning at burial also show us that they were objects of some significance, perhaps even ceremonial. As with many of these finds, their unique meaning may well remain lost. While Orkney continues to see huge interest in its archaeological offerings, the Scar burial remains one of the most interesting of the Viking era finds and the whalebone plaque one of the defining relics of the Norse Settlement of Northern Scotland.
Present Past strives to produce high quality historical inspirations and reproductions, meticulously researched and with the highest standards of customer care.
This a re-imagination in wood of the original Norse Viking whalebone plaque. This plaque is handmade in locally sourced, sustainable Scottish hardwood such as Oak, Ash, Beech and Sycamore. The plaque is made to the approximate dimensions of the original artefact with intricately carved details replicating that of the original.
Fully carved reproductions, simple silhouettes and double sized chopping board variations are all possible.
Prices from £30 - £65
While I don't see anyone using the plaque as a linen smoother as it is thought the plaque may have been used for, it will be perfect as a display item or a practical chopping or cheeseboard . A perfect gift for anyone who would appreciate this unique piece of history.
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