The boat-types were quite varied, depending on what the ship was intended for, but they were generally characterized as being slender and flexible boats, with symmetrical ends with true keel. They were clinker built, which is the overlapping of planks riveted together. Some might have had a dragon's head or other circular object protruding from the bow and stern for design, although this is only inferred from historical sources. Viking ships were not just used for their military prowess but for long-distance trade, exploration and colonization
Drakkar is a recurring emblem inscribed on many Viking funerary remains and refers to their long ships. The symbol represents the journey into the afterlife. Viking tradition places the dead on a ship, sending them to the afterlife on a burning ship.
Viking Earrings, Viking Longboat, Drakkar
Each item begins as a piece of sheet metal, copper, bronze, brass or nickel. The pattern was transferred to the metal with a rolling mill from an original piece I etched in a salt-water solution. The piece is hand cut, sanded, and polished. A patina, clear polymer coating applied and a pin attached to the back with adhesive.