Open AccessCrosses on Rune-Stones: Functions and Interpretations
Author(s) -
Kristel Zilmer
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
current swedish archaeology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.256
H-Index - 8
eISSN - 2002-3901
pISSN - 1102-7355
DOI - 10.37718/csa.2011.08
Subject(s) - composition (language) , isolation (microbiology) , linguistics , history , literature , art , visual arts , philosophy , biology , microbiology and biotechnology
Crosses on Swedish rune-stones have been studied on numerous occasions, mostly in isolation from other features of the monument. This article exam- ines the use of rune-stone crosses with an emphasis upon their varying functions in the total composition of runic monuments. The analysis that combines the level of visual composition with textual elements re- veals different strategies in the display of crosses. Be- sides functioning as externalized Christian markers, crosses could be made to serve various internal (i.e. inscription-based) stylistic, decorative and practical purposes. The role of the cross could be modified ac- cording to particular contexts of usage.