Stone plaques with sun motifs found on Bornholm island, Denmark
Antiquity Publications/John Lee, National Museum of Denmark
A recent discovery of 614 engraved stone plaques on the Danish island of Bornholm has shed light on a mysterious ancient ritual. These “sun stones” are believed to have been buried in a ceremonial manner due to the disappearance of the sun following a volcanic eruption around 2900 BC.
The stone plaques, adorned with motifs of the sun and plants, were found at the VasagĂĄrd West archaeological site, dating back 4900 years when Neolithic communities engaged in farming and construction activities in the region. Most of the sun stones were discovered in enclosures surrounded by earthworks, covered by a layer of stone pavement containing pottery fragments.
Initially thought to be offerings for a bountiful harvest, further analysis by researchers like Rune Iversen from the University of Copenhagen suggests a more profound significance. The simultaneous deposition of these sun stones indicates a deliberate event or ritual, possibly in response to a climatic catastrophe.
Studies of ice cores from Greenland and Antarctica revealed elevated levels of sulphate deposits characteristic of volcanic eruptions during the same period. This event likely caused a widespread cooling effect, corroborated by evidence from tree rings in Germany and the US. The eruption’s impact on agriculture would have been devastating for ancient societies.
The burial of the sun stones may have symbolized an attempt to restore the sun’s presence or commemorate its return after a prolonged period of darkness. Jens Winther Johannsen from Roskilde Museum suggests that the unique practice observed on Bornholm could be attributed to cultural differences or the availability of suitable carving materials.
While the exact motivations behind this ritual remain speculative, the discovery of the sun stones offers valuable insights into the spiritual beliefs and coping mechanisms of Neolithic communities in the face of natural disasters.
As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries surrounding these ancient artifacts, the legacy of the sun stones on Bornholm stands as a testament to humanity’s enduring connection to the forces of nature.
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