How did Vikings decorate their ships?

The Vikings built many different kinds of craft, from small fishing boats and ferries, to their famous longships. They were all made from planks of timber, usually oak, overlapped and nailed together. The ships were made watertight by filling the spaces between the planks with wool, moss or animal hair, mixed with tar or tallow. The ships were all the same long narrow shape, with shallow draughts. This meant that they could be used in shallow water.

Vikings used longships to make raids and carry their warriors. Often, the prow (front) of the ship was decorated with a carving of an animal head – perhaps a dragon or a snake.

Cargo vessels were used to carry trade goods and possessions. They were wider than the longships and travelled more slowly. Planked deck were only laid at the ends of the ship, so that space was left in the middle for cargo.

Often, the front of the ship was carries a carving of an animal head. Typically, this may be a dragon or a snake.