Linocut Block Print Torslunda Helmet Plate in Red or Black ink

Linocut Block Print Torslunda Plate in Red or Black ink

This beautiful 9”x12” linocut print is hand printed upon 100% Legion Cotton Paper, using Speedball block printing ink on a linoleum block that is hand carved in the Ravens Galdr shop.
The design is inspired by the decorative pre-Viking helmet plate found in the Vendel I grave, 7th century AD. In Swedish prehistory, the Vendel Period (c. 540–790) comes between the Migration Period and the Viking Age.

About the Design.

"Walking warriors carrying spears."

The beautiful artwork printed on the alter cloth is based upon the decorative pre-Viking helmet plate stamp found in the Vendel I grave, 7th century AD. In Swedish prehistory, the Vendel Period (c. 540–790) comes between the Migration Period and the Viking Age.

Torslunda Plates

The original Torslunda plates are four cast bronze dies found on Öland in Sweden, and have been dated to the Vendel Period of the 6th and 7th centuries.They display figures in relief, believed to be scenes from Pre Viking Norse mythology. The designs are generally known as "walking warriors carrying spears", "man between bears", "man with axe holding roped animal",  and "dancing man with horned head-dress and man with spear wearing wolf skin". The last depiction is particularly well known for its missing right eye, shown by a laser scanner. This suggests that it depicts Odin. The wolf skin warrior is believed to portray a berserker, or Ulfhedinn. 

The plates were designed for production rather than display; by placing thin sheets of foil against the scenes and hammering or otherwise applying pressure from the back, identical images could be quickly mass-produced. The resulting foils, or plates would be used to decorate rich helmets of the sort found at Vendel, Valsgärde, and Sutton Hoo.


Each print will be carefully packed into a 10"x13" Eco Friendly Mailer to protect it. It will then be shipped to you via USPS.

This linocut print is made to order, and will take 3 to 5 business days to ship.

Frame not included.

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