Gemetselde

Gemetselde is a type of medieval shipbuilding construction technique used in Northern Europe. The name is derived from the Old Norse words "gemir," meaning mast, and "selda," meaning scaffold or framework. This building method was prominent in the 12th to 15th centuries, particularly in the Scandinavian countries and the British Isles.

In gemetselde construction, a ship was built around a central mast, which was the main structural element of the vessel. The mast was supported by a framework of ribs and planking, which were secured with treenails, metal rivets, or wooden pegs. The use of the central mast allowed for a more symmetrical ship design, which provided better stability and maneuverability.

The gemetselde technique involved building the ship constructively around the mast, starting from the keel upwards. The hull was assembled using a system of overlapping planks, which were then secured to the mast framework. This method provided excellent structural integrity and allowed for the building of larger, more complex ships.

Some of the key characteristics of gemetselde construction include the use of a keel made from a single tree, the use of caulked seams to repel water, and the presence of decorative carvings and other ornate features. Some of the most notable examples of ships built using the gemetselde technique include the Oseberg ship, discovered in Norway in 1904, and the Gjellestad ship, discovered in Norway in 2020. These shipwrecks have provided significant insights into the shipbuilding practices and maritime culture of the Viking Age.