fuckyeahnorsemythology:.I wanted to tell you folks a little bit about picture stones. Picture stones

fuckyeahnorsemythology:.I wanted to tell you folks a little bit about picture stones. Picture stones are often called rune stones, but in fact there is a difference. These stones are unique to Gotland, Sweden. A few picture stones are found on the mainland, but these have been samples and appear to be made form Gotlandic bedrock, meaning that they were brought to the mainland from the island for use. Picture stones should not be confused with rune stones, which date to somewhat later. Rune stones can be of any size or shape, and are often a rough, natural shape of the rock they are carved into. Picture stones, in contrast, are cut into defined shapes, the most famous of which is the mushroom/phallic shape. Rune stones feature runic inscriptions, sometimes with some limited pictures and often with a christian cross. They are a later phenomena, dating to the late viking age and middle ages. Picture stones are a little older, dating to the late migration and vendel periods. They seem to have been used as property markers, and are always found along ancient roadways. Often cremation burials, silver hoards, and other offerings are found in the area directly around them, but they are not grave stone markers per se. These stones were often dragged around the landscape, so that very few of them are still in their original position today, and some where even taken down, cut up, and used as end pieces in internment graves. Most picture stones on Gotland today are either in museums, or else in churches. When the churches were built, they consolidated the holy places in the land by moving many monuments into their walls, including these stones. Many picture stones are also “blind” meaning that the designs and carvings are not visible to the naked eye. Various kinds of light and imaging technology can sometimes reveal what was on the stone. The scene on this stone is a classic picture stone scene, and is very common. The element of the ship, the woman holding the horn, and sleipnir are are classic elements of the picture stone.  -- source link

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