Interesting input, Eftihis, thank you.
So let's start comparing.
Here is a carved dragon and a dragon ornament, both from the Oseberg ship, plus a less finely preserved sample from another Viking ship.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oseberg_ship
http://www.google.de/imgres?imgurl=h...ed=0CFgQrQMwBg
Best,
Michael