Art of the Viking Age

https://smarthistory.org/viking-art/

Vikings, contrary to the way they are depicted in modern film, belonged to a group of peoples called the Norse who were merchants, farmers, and craftsmen. The Viking Age which took place from 8th century to 11th century led people from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden to sail the globe. 

Visuals were of great importance to the Norse. Objects were created from highly-skilled craftspeople such as woodworks and blacksmiths. Materials such as metal, stone, ivory, and even bone have been recovered from pieces of Norse art. 

Many Norse objects were created with both practical and symbolic purposes. Imagery in the art was created to communicate ideas about social religions, religious beliefs, and even to tell mythical tales. 

Viking art is distinct from other cultures as it represents a unique way of thinking about the world. 

The pictures about show carvings of the stern of Oseberg's ship. Each section of the stern is carved in a unique style that is distinguishable from one another. Two of the styles in particular, the red "gripping beast" and the blue "ribbon animals" are continuations of artwork passed on from previous centuries, although the exact meaning is unknown, the carvings are thought to represent particular Viking Age art styles.