Neolithic Cupmarks from Vasagård on Bornholm, Denmark: Dating the Rock Art Tradition in Southern Scandinavia

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This article presents the first evidence for cupmarks in the southern Scandinavian Middle Neolithic, in the form of two cupmarked stones recovered during excavations at the Neolithic enclosures of Vasagård on the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. Until now, cupmarks, which are frequently found on dolmen capstones, have been associated with the rich and figurative rock art known from the Bronze Age (c. 1700–500 bc). The evidence from Vasagård opens up the possibility that more cupmarks could be Neolithic. The association of the cupmarked stones from Vasagård with ritual gatherings suggests an affinity with contemporary sites, including Orkney, where cupmarks have been linked to architectural transformations.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEuropean Journal of Archaeology
Volume25
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)155-175
Number of pages21
ISSN1461-9571
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

    Research areas

  • Faculty of Humanities - Neolithic, Vasagård, Bornholm, Rock art, cupmarks, Neolithic enclosures

ID: 281712217