Thursday, 14 April 2011

Saxon spoon...

A short while ago I was asked if it was possible to make Saxon style spoons for some battle re-enactors.
I gave Ralph.H a call and he kindly furnished me with some details.

bushcraft+spoon carving

Here is my interpretation...

bushcraft+spoon carving spoon carving first steps

At the same time I have been finishing of a batch of Kuksa...

kuksa spoon carving first steps

This is the last piece with these distinctive markings...

kuksa spoon carving first steps

I decided to add a little detail of my own. I have no idea if this is historically correct, but I liked the idea of adding one of 'Odin's' little helpers.

kuksa spoon carving first steps

'Munnin'

bushcraft+spoon carving spoon carving first steps

He is one of two Ravens that gave old Odin a helping hand.
'Munnin' who is memory and 'Huginn' who is thought.
They would fly around the known world collecting information for Odin...


bushcraft+spoon carving spoon carving first steps
 Anyway...
The shape of this spoon is correct for the Saxon times, with a little artistic license...
ENJOY...J





18 comments:

  1. Thought you might like it Martijn. I enjoyed the carving. All done with the MaChris. How are you getting on with yours ?...Happy days mate...ATB...J

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  2. Glad you like it Zevidg...All the best...J

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  3. very fine work Mr Mac . i always enjoy looking at your work.

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  4. Very nice Jon! I love the Kuksa detail in the wood, looks like the tree had some form of infection, either fungal or bacterial. love the spoon by the way.

    All the best.

    Simon.

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  5. You are more than welcome Angelo...Best wishes from sleepy Devon...J

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  6. Probably correct Simon...Glad you enjoyed the spoon. I enjoyed drawing my interpretation of Munnin and transposing him to real life...Enjoy...J

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  7. Jon you again outdo yourself...just wonderful craftsmanship plus the thought and planning...just wonderful...Patti

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  8. A very nice piece Jon...
    Saxon = Isaac's Son (Son's)

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  9. Just curious, is the wide "handle" on the kuksa supposed to serve any purpose other tham decoration?

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  10. Thanks Grandmama...Your lovely...J;-)

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  11. Hey Gorges...When I set out making my first 'Kuksa' I wanted a design that flowed. A feminine shape. And a shape unique. I wanted to accentuate all the possible curves found on traditional 'Kuksa' without copying anyone else's design. My 'Kuksa' is designed as a tumbler, although I carve them weighted so as to sit on a flat surface. They are incredibly stable if placed on grass, snow or sand. I am sure I now have a unique design that I 'tweek' from time to time. So in conclusion...The Beaver tail handle is simple design...All the best Gorges...J

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  12. I like the split in the raven's back. The wood always has ideas of it's own, and I like to think it improves upon the final product. Great work!

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  13. Cracking work mate ,like it a lot......may even please the dwellers of Odins court lol.

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  14. Graeme Fraser (Red Kite)18 April 2011 at 09:26

    I love your Saxon spoon, Jon! Not being much of an artist when comes to carving Raven's, what would normally be the style for the handle end or knop?

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  15. I cant be to sure Graeme. The photos I now have from Ralph are not that clear. But it would seem that a plain spiked end was common and perhaps Celtic type knots. I will have a scout round for more details and let you know on Face Book...Cheers for now...J

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