For the clinker planks for a Viking ship, the tree was split radially from the centre outward. Unlike a saw, this process did not cut the fibres and preserved the natural strength of the wood. This first intervention with the axe formed the basis of the ship’s ability to flex in stormy seas.
Charcoal illustration by Selim Rumi Civralı.
About the Author
Cite This Work
APA Style
Civralı, S. R. (2026, March 18). Radial Cleaving: Viking Ship Construction 9. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21640/radial-cleaving/
Chicago Style
Civralı, Selim Rumi. "Radial Cleaving: Viking Ship Construction 9." World History Encyclopedia, March 18, 2026. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21640/radial-cleaving/.
MLA Style
Civralı, Selim Rumi. "Radial Cleaving: Viking Ship Construction 9." World History Encyclopedia, 18 Mar 2026, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21640/radial-cleaving/.
