Explore the art and craftsmanship of the Viking Age with this complete art history lesson and two hands-on art projects.

This engaging resource takes students beyond the familiar image of Viking warriors and explorers and introduces the Vikings as highly skilled artists and craftspeople. Students examine authentic Viking artefacts and discover the intricate animal forms, interlacing, knots, flowing lines, colour and decorative details that make Viking art so distinctive.

The lesson explores how art appeared throughout Viking life, from enormous decorated ships and carved runestones to jewellery, metalwork, textiles and everyday objects. Students also discover how Viking art developed through several distinctive artistic styles and how surviving artefacts help art historians understand Viking craftsmanship today.

Two complete art projects are included

Viking Runestone Art Project
Students design their own Viking-inspired runestone using animal forms, interlacing, patterns and colour. They also learn about Viking runes and can add their own message using the Younger Futhark reference included in the resource.

3D Viking Longship Art Project
Students colour, design, cut out and assemble their own freestanding Viking longship. Two design options are included, along with customisable shields, sail choices, Viking-inspired colour guidance and clear step-by-step assembly instructions.

This resource includes:
Complete Viking Art History Lesson
Authentic Viking artefacts and historical visual examples
Viking art style comparisons
Student discussion questions
Viking Runestone Art Project
Runestone templates and design guidance
Viking rune reference materials
Completed project examples for inspiration
3D Viking Longship Art Project
Two longship design options
Shield design templates
Multiple sail options
Viking-inspired colour guide
Materials lists
Written project instructions
Visual step-by-step longship assembly instructions
Printable templates

The projects encourage students to apply the patterns, forms and design ideas they have encountered in the art history lesson while still allowing plenty of room for individual creativity.

This resource works particularly well alongside studies of the Viking Age, art history, world history, medieval history and Scandinavian culture, or as a stand-alone visual arts unit.

Suitable for upper primary and lower secondary students, with project options that can be adapted for different ages and abilities.