Kongeskarven (2004)

The Royal Cormorant – Kongeskarven – standing before you now, is more than just a sculpture. It’s a symbol of Northern Norway, the sea, and the rich history connected to the Sund Fisheries Museum in Lofoten. The original cormorant figure was forged in wrought iron by master blacksmith Hans Gjertsen, and it gradually became the signature symbol of the forge at Sund. Today, Tor-Vegard Mørkved continues that tradition – as both the museum’s owner and the creator of this sculpture. The name Kongeskarven – The Royal Cormorant – stems from a special event in 1963, when King Olav V officially opened European Route 10, now known as King Olav’s Road. As a gift, he received a hand-forged cormorant from the Sund Blacksmith, and a photograph of the moment sparked widespread attention. Suddenly, everyone wanted a Kongeskarv of their own. Now the sculpture stands here in Tranøy – the cormorant, or the Royal Cormorant – watching over the sea. Perhaps it's gazing into eternity… or perhaps it's simply waiting to take flight once more?