The stem forms the forward end of the backbone of the Ship. It is made of oak and is a complicated section which can only be finished to shape after it has been set up on and attached to the forward Underloute. It has been slightly deepened compared to the illustration in order to take into the account of the strength required to withstand beaching and the significant hollowing which will be necessary to make the inner and outer surfaces of the plank lands (the *'Rabbet') parallel.
*A 'Rabbet' is a step-shaped recess cut along the edge or in the face of a piece of wood
The burial ship is being reconstrcuted in The Longshed, Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK and is viewable by the public when work is taking place.
Please visit the website for further details about the project and how you can get invovled https://saxonship.org
Laser Scanning undetaken by Felix Pedrotti & Jack Pink from the University of Southampton