Protecting totem, gripping beast

80.00$

Explore the captivating world of Viking art through the mesmerizing Gripping Beasts. These iconic motifs, distinctly featured in the Oseberg Style, mark a profound shift in early Viking art, setting it apart from its predecessors.

Intricately detailed, the gripping beasts originally confined to rigid shapes are in the viking age visualised defiantly breaking free from their confines, symbolizing the unyielding spirit of the Vikings. These enigmatic creatures, with their powerful paws gripping the borders, neighboring beasts, or even parts of their own bodies, encapsulate the essence of Viking determination and resilience.

Immerse yourself in the legacy of the Oseberg Burial, where history unfolds at the Viking Ship Museum in Bygdøy. The Oseberg Ship, a magnificent vessel over 70 feet long, held the remains of two remarkable women and a trove of precious artifacts. While the ship itself boasts a more traditional style of animal interlace, the Gripping Beasts take center stage in the form of five carved wooden animal-head posts, with the Carolingian animal-head post showcasing a snarling beast, possibly a wolf. The surface ornamentation weaves a mesmerizing tale of intertwined animals, as they grip and snap, reflecting the indomitable Viking spirit.

Bring the allure of the Viking age to life with our Gripping Beasts collection, a testament to the unyielding strength and artistic innovation of this legendary culture. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history and carry the Viking legacy with you wherever you go.