---
title: Radial Cleaving: Viking Ship Construction 9
author: Selim Rumi Civralı
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21640/radial-cleaving/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2026-03-18
---

# Radial Cleaving: Viking Ship Construction 9

_Authored by [Selim Rumi Civralı](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/selimrumicivral/)_

## Image File

[![Radial Cleaving: Viking Ship Construction 9](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21640.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21640.jpg)

## Image Caption

For the clinker planks for a [Viking](https://www.worldhistory.org/Vikings/) 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](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rumi/) Civralı.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Illustrator and founder of Civralı Studio, specializing in military history, experimental archaeology, and the politics of sport. Creator of the Rebuilding Hardrada documentary project.

## Cite This Work

### APA
Civralı, S. R. (2026, March 18). Radial Cleaving: Viking Ship Construction 9. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21640/radial-cleaving/>
### Chicago
Civralı, Selim Rumi. "Radial Cleaving: Viking Ship Construction 9." *World History Encyclopedia*, March 18, 2026. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21640/radial-cleaving/>.
### MLA
Civralı, Selim Rumi. "Radial Cleaving: Viking Ship Construction 9." *World History Encyclopedia*, 18 Mar 2026, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21640/radial-cleaving/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Selim Rumi Civralı](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/selimrumicivral/ "User Page: Selim Rumi Civralı"), published on 18 March 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright, fair use](https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/). This content is protected by copyright. We believe that this reproduction constitutes fair use because: it is published for non-commercial educational purposes; no public domain copies are available of this material; only a small section of the work is reproduced in inferior quality; and this reproduction will not reduce the market for or value of the original work in any way. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.