This animal head post was found in the Oesberg ship burial (seen in the next two images), and is an example of excellence in Viking carving . The "animal interlaace" pattern on its neck is characteristic of Viking technical artistry. Its purpose is not known, but may have some ritual purpose. Five of these head posts were found, all with a slot for a handle at the lower edge of the neck, indicating that perhaps they were used in some sort of procession.