Færing, circa 1954
Bergen, Kingdom of Norway
Gift of Robert Peabody

The færing (four-oared boat) was a common form of transportation along the rocky coast and fjords of Norway. Until the introduction of the railroad and automobile, communication and travel between many Norwegian towns was by boat.

Færings are sturdy craft that can be used for fishing as well as transporting cargo. Their double-ended shape recalls their Viking heritage.