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Tillbaka till löpsidanThe Foot on the Rock – a Rock-carving on StenshuvudABSTRACTA relatively unknown rock-carving in the hillfort of Stenshuvud, in the south-east of Sweden, may have parallels in the British Isles.The Stenshuvud hillfort embraces three small mountain peaks and dates from about 500 AD, i.e. the Migration Period. The rock-carving, on the north peak, illustrates the frontal sole of a left foot and its five toes. Most Swedish rock-carvings are dated to the Bronze Age, approximately 1800-500 BC, but this carving lacks the explicit Bronze Age style. By about AD 500 the Dalriadan kingdom, on the north of Ireland, extended its territory the west of Scotland and Argyll. This transferred the capital of Dalriada from Ireland to Scotland and a hillfort was constructed. The Dunadd hillfort was established on a rocky crag and became an important fortress in the area from the Migration Period and onwards. In the hillfort, on a saddle just below the summit is a rock-cut footprint that may have played part in the inauguration of the Dalriadan kings. The parallels between Stenshuvud hillfort and Dunadd hillfort concerning the footprint-carvings and their elevated locations in the hillfort areas are sensational. Now archeological specialists are discussing the hypothesis of dating the rock-carving on Stenshuvud to the Migration Period, approximately 400-550 AD, as well. But, a definite dating requires archaeological investigations and further scientific research. Apart from the hypothetical dating, this footprint has put the Stenshuvud hillfort in a wider cultural context, hopefully inspiring still more visitors to view and appreciate this unique rock-carving in the south-east of Sweden.
Karin Rogius |