Miniature churches such as these served as crowning elements to tabernacle shrines (see the reconstruction from Urnes, no. 2). In Norway, a total of four church models are preserved, and in Sweden two. The church model from Kinsarvik has a T-shaped ground plan with a projecting central tower.
The Bergen collection holds similar church models from the stave churches of Borgund and Urnes. Their shape has been interpreted as a reference to the Heavenly Jerusalem or as a symbol of the Virgin Mary in her role of Ecclesia, the Church. However, one should be cautious when giving too specific interpretations, as architectural shapes like church models also crowned other saints’ figures and are found in other contexts too.
Norway, thirteenth century
From Kinsarvik (Hardanger)
Inv. no. MA 161