Thrusting down from the middle of this heavy carved oak plank is the round, cat-like head of a fearsome creature with gaping mouth, broad tongue, and huge fangs. The slender neck is painted with vertical stripes that lead into a swirling mass of vegetation and twisting bodies of fantastical beasts.

There are many animals depicted on the doorways to stave churches. Lions, birds, horses, dragons. Each creature carries a meaning, though it is not always straight forward to say which is which. Explore the model to find out more.