Lonesome Sailing Ship - Reflections on the Rock-Carvings of Sweden and Their Interpreters

Rock-carving interpretations should be integrated into broader archaeological discourse and local contexts, focusing not only on the significance of images but also on the act of carving itself. This study argues that while previous research has largely been confined to specific interpretative frameworks—such as religious or status manifestations—a more comprehensive approach is needed. It highlights the shift in scholarly interest over time, from a dominant religious perspective in the early 20th century to a focus on ritual dimensions in the 1990s. The research emphasizes the importance of contextualizing rock-carvings within contemporaneous ancient remains and studying the carving act's meaning rather than just the images' significance.

Hauptman Wahlgren, K. (2021). Lonesome Sailing Ship - Reflections on the Rock-Carvings of Sweden and Their Interpreters. Current Swedish Archaeology, 8(1), 67–96. https://doi.org/10.37718/csa.2000.04