Södertörn University in Sweden has announced that a unique figurehead from the 15th century ship “Gribshunden” was salvaged earlier this month, following its discovery during diving operations in June
This figurehead was positioned at the fore of the ship, and was carved from the top of a 3.40 m-long beam. It has the appearance of the grimacing head of a dog or other monstrous animal, and may depict the very “Grip Dog” that the name of the ship (“Gribshunden”) reflects.
ohan Ronnby, professor of marine archaeology at Sodertorn University told Reuters "I'm amazed, We knew that it should be a fantastic figure, but it was over our expectations when we saw it now. It's a fantastic figure, unique in the world."
No similar item from the 15th century has ever been found anywhere in the world. This “monster” last saw the light of day at the end of the 15th century, the period in which Columbus discovered America and Leonardo da Vinci was creating his masterpieces.
It is now resting in a waterbath at the Blekinge Museum storehouse, while waiting for the preservation procedure. It is hoped that it will later be possible to exhibit the figurehead at the museum.
The wreck was discovered in the 1970s by sport divers, but it was several decades before it was identified as the Danish royal ship Gribshunden, which sank in 1495. This ship belonged to Danish King Hans, who had anchored in Ronneby on his way to Kalmar to negotiate the Kalmar Union. The ship caught fire and sank following an accident.
Photo courtesy Södertörn University
Figurehead from 15th century ship discovered in Baltic Sea