Multidisciplinary analyses of Gotlandic picture stones
A case study of fragments from Martebo and Stenkyrka
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21407970 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Hannah Strehlau (0009-0006-6558-4280, Bournemouth University, corresponding author), Patrick Hänsel (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg), Laila Kitzler Åhfeldt (0000-0001-8364-5952, Swedish National Heritage Board), Magnus Källström (0000-0002-0823-0033, Swedish National Heritage Board), Michael Fergusson (Swedish National Heritage Board), Sigmund Oehrl (0009-0001-9259-9027, University of Stavanger) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-21 |
| Publication date | 2026-07-03 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | World Archaeology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0043-8243 • E-ISSN: 1470-1375 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/00438243.2026.2678241 |
| OpenAlex | W7167207294 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 20 |
The Gotlandic picture stones are an unparalleled monumental art in Scandinavia whose rich imagery offers a glimpse into pre-Christian belief systems. Their fragmented condition and reuse in secondary contexts, however, has challenged our understanding of their original use. Against this background, this article matches the two Migration Period picture stones GP 268 Martebo kyrka I and GP 428 Stenkyrka kyrka 46 which were previously considered separate monuments. Because the fragments lack matching fracture edges and display apparent inconsistencies in their decoration, we conducted a multidisciplinary investigation using photogrammetry, groove analysis, runology, and isotope analysis. The results demonstrate that the stones share the same width, possess complementing decorative elements, and originate from the same geological rock layer on Gotland. Groove analysis further indicates that the majority of the decoration expresses the same carving characteristics. The runic inscription was likely added to GP 268 Martebo kyrka I during the Migration Period as part of the original decoration. Taken together, these findings support the affiliation of GP 268 Martebo kyrka I and GP 428 Stenkyrka kyrka 46, identifying them as a single monument and a key monument of phase A Gotlandic picture stones (400–550 CE)
Carving · Groove (engineering) · Matching (statistics) · Multidisciplinary approach · Period (music) · Rock art · Ancient and Medieval Archaeology Studies · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Historical and Archaeological Studies
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |