Ale vessels have been a common ceremonial Scandinavian resource since the days of the Vikings. Ale hens and bowls were family heirlooms passed down through the generations, always emerging at important family and community celebrations. In this course, you will craft an ale hen using the “quarter log technique,” with each hen blank actually being cut from a quarter-section of a birch log. The primary carving strategies we use will highlight the use of knives, gouges and bowl gouges. You will learn techniques for using cutting tools, sharpening, selecting/gathering materials and the history of Ale hens in Scandinavian culture will be explored.