16th International Symposium on Boat & Ship Archaeology

68 16 th International Symposium on Boat & Ship Archaeology Terje Planke 1 & Svein Erik Øya 2 1 Norsk Folkemuseum, Oslo, Norway 2 independent researcher, Norway Reconstructing the pattern of Iron Age – and vernacular boats It is a strong history of effect (Wirkungsgeschichte) between the Viking ships of the 9 th century AD and the vernacular boats from the Scandinavian coastline 1000 years later. The core of the technology shows a remarkable continuity with shell built, lapstrake hull clinkered with iron rivets, ribs, oarlocks, and oars etc. At the same time, there are some important differences in the concepts of the plank- ing and the shape of the hulls from different epochs. Through investigating  the pattern  of different boat types, we can get closer to reading the intentions ma- terialized into the archaeological boats and thereby getting a more precise dis- cussion and reconstruction of the shape and function of each boat. The concept of patterns  gives attention to the fragments as parts of a whole structure, not as individual functions. Our presentation will reveal how such patterns can be identified in different vernacular types of boats from Norway. Each pattern, we have documented by combining practical skills and 3D computer technology, is unique. The use of ma- terials, in the combination with the strake diagram relate to tools, the technology and procedures of work. This way, the pattern defines possibilities and limitations for the shape of the hull and the qualities of the boat in usage. Inspired by our analysis of tradition, we have identified different charac- teristics of the hulls of archaeological boat finds from the Iron Age in Northern Europe. Each pattern has its own limitations and possibilities for giving the shape of the hull and thereby different characteristics to the type. In this process we base our knowledge and research process on a combination of boatbuilding, card- board models and drawings and 3D computer modelling. We will conclude the paper by presenting the pattern and the shape of our reconstruction of the third Gokstadboat, excavated in 1880.