An early medieval symbol carved on a tree trunk

Pathfinder or Territorial Marker

Bibliographic Data

ID3593575
AuthorsDagmar Dreslerová (0000-0003-0062-5871, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Archaeology, Prague), Radek Mikuláš (0000-0002-9827-2367, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geology)
Year2010
Volume84
Issue326
Pages1067-1075
Publication date2010-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAntiquity (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0003-598X • E-ISSN: 1745-1744
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0003598x00067089
OpenAlexW2168763187
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited8

The chance discovery of a carved symbol on a waterlogged tree of the six-ninth century AD may be the earliest mark on a living tree that has so far come to light. Given its rarity, an obvious interpretation remains elusive, but the authors review a wide range of possibilities from analogies ancient and modern. Symbols on trees have been used to mark trails, the ownership of land and resources, and all manner of votive moments from superstitious sign-making, worship of a god, thanks for a successful hunt or the memory of a loving tryst

Ancient history · Biology · Genealogy · Interpretation (philosophy) · Linguistics · Ninth · Pathfinder · Phylogenetic tree · Sign (mathematics) · Symbol (formal) · Theology · Tree (set theory) · Tree of life (biology) · Worship · Computer Science · Historical and Religious Studies of Rome · Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies · History · Mathematics · Medieval Literature and History · Philosophy