Stave Churches, Research Paper Example

Stave churches are characterized by timber construction and steeply pitched roofs designed to protect the structure from the heavy rains and snows of  Scandinavia.  Although most modern surviving stave churches are located in Norway, during the medieval era, they were widespread throughout northern Europe.  Having been built during the dark ages, the churches use simple measurements and ratios in their construction.  These churches were often adorned with ornamental patterns and designs carved directly into their wooden structures.

Stave churches take their name from the four huge timbers, or staves which from their structural core.   As in one such stave church in Borgund, Norway, additional posts on the interior create the effect of a narthex, nave, and side aisles.  Stave churches are an evolution of what are called post-churches.  However, instead of being built from a post that has been sunk into the actual ground, stave churches are constructed from a basic frame.

Although their wood construction made them susceptible to the elements, remnants are still being found in various places in the world even today.  It is difficult to date these structures exactly, due to the fact that they were built from natural materials, there is a possiblity that the lumber was used for reconstructions over the years.  However, rough dating is still possible based upon the context in which the sites were discovered.

Works Cited

Lindholm, Dan. Stave Churches in Norway. Dragon Myth and Christianity in old Norweigen Architecture. Rudolf Steiner Press, London.