The Sutton Hoo mound is a medieval burial site, the most impressive in Europe, and includes funerary riches held within a 27 metre-long ship.
The history of the ship and its contents is fascinating and it continues to be a focus for understanding Anglo-Saxon life. One of the projects that has come from the discovery of the ship is a recreation of the ship itself: The Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company. Started in 2016, the project aims to not only build a replica of the craft but also to test it in various ways by bringing community together, engaging the public and carry out sea trials to test some hypotheses about how, where and why the ship was sailed.
Last year, to raise funds for planking the ship, a Crowdfunder page was started and sponsors were entered into a competition. The winner of that competition is Ruth Baker, a flax weaver from Aotearoa New Zealand. Mahi Raranga – the weaving of flax – allows Ruth to travel to run workshops, especially with those who weave willow and are eager to expand their technique and knowledge. In addition, Ruth is a hobby archaeologist and history lover and as the prize is a tour of the ship and of the behind-the-scenes activities, it will be a treat!
There is another link with these islands in the Pacific. The Ship’s Poet is John Gallas, a New Zealander living in Leicestershire. Isn’t that a lovely coincidence?
Thank you to the correspondent who sent this link in. It is always good to hear from readers.
Header photo caption: An image of the buried ship was revealed during excavations in 1939. Still from a film made by H. J. Phillips, brother of Charles Phillips.
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