Traditional Norwegian oar rest

A keip is a wooden piece on top of a boat’s gunwale against which the oar rests while rowing. Store norske leksikon associates it especially with traditional boats from Northern Norway and Western Norway.

Form and use

A traditional keip can be made from a section of trunk with a branch projecting upward at an angle. A loop of rope or twisted sapling, called a hamlebånd, often keeps the oar with the keip. Its function resembles thole pins, but the construction is different.

Detached parts and identification

A detached keip can resemble a simple wooden hook. Documented find location, boat type, attachment surfaces and wear from the oar are therefore important. Record cracks, rot, modern screws and replaced bindings. Shape alone neither dates the part nor securely identifies a particular boatbuilder.

Source: Store norske leksikon, Keip.