Probable oar-port shutter from a 13th-century context. Such devices were intended to keep the oar-ports of clinker-built ships weather-proof when not in use. They were mounted on pivots inside the hul ...
DP 150981
Description Probable oar-port shutter from a 13th-century context. Such devices were intended to keep the oar-ports of clinker-built ships weather-proof when not in use. They were mounted on pivots inside the hull so they could be swung clear when the ports needed to be open, and were equipped with an arrangement whereby they could be secured in whichever position was required. The triangular appendage on this example presumably fulfilled this function and the two small notches near its point were no doubt intended for a fixing loop. The use of such a cover implies a vessel with greater freeboard than one whose oars were operated from tholes set atop the gunwale. This object is therefore a relic of what was probably a substantial sea-gong ship propelled primarily by sail. It may not have been dissimilar to the well-known sailing galley depicted on the tomb of Alexander MacLeod at Rodel in Harris. (Cat No 354/A6476)
Collection Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
Catalogue Number DP 150981
Category On-line Digital Images
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/1328434
File Format (TIF) Tagged Image File Format bitmap
Attribution: © Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
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