Árbók Hins íslenzka fornleifafélags - 01.01.2007, Blaðsíða 151

150 ÁRBÓK FORNLEIFAFÉLAGSINS
Summary
From the beginning of human history people have created some form of artwork and
symbolism on objects which have eluded interpretation still to this day. However, humans
continue in this effort. The following article discusses the nature of carvings and graffiti
in archaeological material, by taking examples from different historical and prehistoric
periods, and emphasizes inscriptions and carvings that were found at locations generally
inaccessible or hidden from view.
In man-made caves and on other rocks in Iceland a number of inscriptions can be
seen, but pictures are uncommon. A number of objects, both in Iceland and elsewhere,
have inscriptions naming the maker owner or both.
Prehistoric art styles are also discussed, and the possibility of their spreading in a
manner different from other cultural traits as well as the possibility that the various styles
may have belonged to several social groups or classes. Scandinavian artifacts with varying
decorations and styles, where the visible side of the artifact is decorated in a known Viking
Age style and the side less frequently seen has simple or uncommon figures may indicate
the expression of class or group identity in society. This may be seen on a few Icelandic
artifacts wherein simple carvings are found on what is likely to be the backside of a few
line sinkers and some gaming pieces. It is suggested that pictures or inscriptions on
the “hidden” side of objects may be connected to religious ideas of the common people,
possibly differing from those of the ruling classes. Alternatively, some of the “secret”
inscriptions may be attempts by people who did not know the runes. It is possible that it
was the inscription, the written letters themselves, were important not really the meaning
and something similar may have been the case with the drawings. The “official” carvings
may have been done by specialists for the upper classes, while the common people used
different styles.
This article also suggests that there may have been differing religious beliefs among
the ruling classes and the common people, and this difference is mirrored in the varying
ornamentation.