The Danish archaeologists reported that a wealth of stones have been discovered during an excavation on the Danish island of Bornholm, in the Baltic Sea. The scientists believe the stones were probably used during the special rituals and ceremonies.
The small stones were found in southern Bornholm at a place called Vasagård. they are covered in motifs carved by Stone Age people some 5,000 years ago. The Danish archaeologists say that Vasagård was a gigantic area divided into two by a river valley, and looks to have been used for rituals during the Stone Age.
According to Finn Ole Sonne Nielsen, lead archaeologist at the Bornholm Museum, some of the stones even look to have been used as lucky charms by Stone Age Bornholmers.
Archaeologists think that the stones were probably used during the rituals, given their burnt or broken appearance, and because they were discovered in concentrated deposits within the same layer of soil.
“Many of the sun stones and one of the field stones are very worn, so it looks as though someone has run around with them in their pocket,”
added Nielsen who has collaborated with the National Museum of Denmark, Aarhus University, and the University of Copenhagen, on the excavation.
The Vasagård area exhibits the appearance of a Stone Age society, which had been thoroughly ritualised, the archaeologists suggested. In the Stone Age, Vasagård was entirely enclosed by so-called palisade rows—a type of fence constructed from multiple layers of posts, with many entrances. Inside, stood small round “sun temples” which were probably used for rituals.
The construction has been renewed time and time again, and many tons of wood must have been used to maintain the gigantic monument. An “absolutely important” construction project, says Nielsen.
“When you use so many resources on something, it must have something to do with religion,”
Finn Ole Sonne Nielsen says.
