The slab of stone seen here was among the finds from the Viking-age period of settlement at Jarlshof. It features a simple carving of a ship. Contrary to other examples of Norse art, which were intricate and complex, this slab of stone serves as a good example of representative art, where the carving is clearly meant to represent a real object.⁴ The carving can perhaps give us some insight on how Viking ships were constructed at the time—the small lines sticking up could represent oars, and the large triangular section is possibly a sail.

But beyond the clues about construction, this slab of stone could represent something much more ideological. Scandinavia converted to Christianity in the late 10th century, coinciding with the period of Norse settlement at Jarlshof. It is sometimes thought that stone Viking ships may represent a devotion to traditional Norse beliefs, rather than allegiance to Christianity.⁵ This simple slate could point towards a traditional pagan stronghold on Jarlshof, one still untouched by conversion to Christianity. It could also demonstrate the Norse’s strong association with seafaring and their desire to express that aspect of their identity.