Use of colours

Use of colours

Longships were designed to display power and wealth. This was underlined by the use of colours. The pigments used were often acquired from distant lands and were extremely precious – for example yellow orpiment from the Middle East or red cinnabar from the Mediterranean countries. The pigments were mixed with binders such as linseed oil, ale and butter milk. No pigment remains were found on Skuldelev 2; inspiration for the colours used comes from the Bayeux tapestry.