Recent archaeological findings on Bornholm island, Denmark, have uncovered hundreds of enigmatic “sun stones,” suggesting that these artifacts may have been ceremonially buried following a catastrophic volcanic eruption around 2900 BC that obscured the sun.
Researchers have excavated 614 stone plaques and fragments adorned with sun and plant motifs at the Vasagård West archaeological site, dating back approximately 4900 years. This area was previously inhabited by Neolithic farmers who constructed enclosures bordered by earthworks.
Many of the sun stones were discovered in ditches surrounding these enclosures, covered by stone pavements interspersed with pottery and other artifacts typical of the late Funnel Beaker culture, which thrived until about 2900 to 2800 BC.
Initially, the purpose of burying these sun carvings was thought to be related to ensuring bountiful harvests. However, Rune Iversen from the University of Copenhagen poses an intriguing question: “Why were these images all deposited at the same time?”
To address this query, Iversen and his team examined data from ice cores in Greenland and Antarctica, revealing increased sulphate concentrations that correspond to the years following a significant volcanic eruption around 2900 BC.
Researchers believe this eruption likely occurred near the equator, causing widespread ash clouds that darkened the sky and resulted in a prolonged period of lowered temperatures.
The phenomenon of severe cooling around 2900 BC is supported by ecological data such as tree rings from preserved wood in Germany and long-lived bristlecone pines in the western United States.
The eruption’s impact would have been devastating for Neolithic communities in northern Europe, leading to dire consequences for agriculture. Iversen noted, “Without harvests, there would be nothing to sow the following year, creating a relentless cycle of catastrophe.”
The burial of these sun motifs might symbolize an attempt to restore the sun or celebrate the eventual clearing of the skies.
Jens Winther Johannsen from Roskilde Museum remarked, “It’s a plausible explanation, particularly for farming societies reliant on the sun.”
However, Lars Larsson from Lund University raised questions about why this practice appears to be unique to Bornholm, considering the widespread climate impact.
Iversen suggested that the availability of suitable slate for carving might be a contributing factor, as much of southern Scandinavia consists of clay. He also noted that engravings may have been made on wood or leather elsewhere, but those materials would not have survived the test of time.
Alternatively, cultural variations could explain the distinct practices on Bornholm. Johannsen concluded, “These societies are interconnected but living on an island could lead to the development of unique cultural practices.”
