The Oseberg tomb's discovery of five unique carved animal heads is a fascinating archaeological find. Four of these animal heads are currently on display at the Viking Ship Museum, while unfortunately, the fifth is in poor condition and stored in the museum's vault.
These animal heads were discovered in two different locations within the tomb: four of them were found in the burial chamber, and one was located on the fore deck of the ship. They were intriguingly tied together with a rope, which passed through the mouth of one of the animal heads, serving as a lead.
Creating these animal heads would have been a remarkably challenging and time-consuming task, even for skilled woodcarvers. The process involved venturing into the woods to select a suitable piece of hardwood with a natural bend, typically from the lower trunk. The woodcarver would begin by shaping the wood and then meticulously carve the intricate animal head designs. Notably, the animal heads appear to have been crafted by different woodcarvers, as none of them resemble each other, and two of them feature additional decoration in the form of silver rivets.
As for their intended purpose, the exact use of these animal heads remains a mystery. However, the presence of a handle at the base of their necks, approximately 50 cm long, suggests that they could have been attached to various surfaces, such as the outer walls of a house, a throne, or perhaps served another function altogether. Their purpose continues to be a subject of intrigue and investigation for historians and archaeologists.