Viking-style Ale Bowl, Hand-Turned Birch Wooden Bowl

These hand-turned birch bowls are based on a find from a well in Malmo, Sweden. The original dates to the Viking era (pre-1160 CE). It was probably used for both drinking and eating.

The bowls are about 5 inches in diameter at the rim, and stand about 2-1/2 inches tall. There are decorative lines burned into the bowls, about 1/3 up from the base, mimicking lines turned in the original. While each of the bowls is turned to the same basic shape, since they are hand-made individually, there are slight differences between each. Between this, and changes in the wood (coloration, figure, etc.), each bowl is unique. Almost every piece has a certain amount of burl-like figuring, and they all have striking grain patterns.

The red river birch has been finished with multiple coats of food-safe tung oil; while the bowls don't "shine," they are water- and alcohol-resistant. The wood was somewhat "green" (still fairly fresh from the tree) when it was turned, and so the bowls will have gone slightly out-of-round in the drying process.

They sit comfortably in the hand, and will hold a decent amount of drink (or food). These bowls will certainly enhance your experience in the dining hall or at feast!

Instructions on caring for the bowls will be included.