Istrehågan

Istrehågan is an

Large stone settings resemble a ship. The largest "ship" is 24 metres (79 ft) long, and 9 metres (30 ft) meters broad. Most rocks are about 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) tall, while some are as high as 4.5 metres (15 ft). Archaeological excavations made in 1959-1961 uncovered remains of bones, bear claws, pottery shards, a brooch, and more.[9]^{[10] [11]} Most stone settings are dated to the Migration Period around 400-500 A.D. There are marked hiking trails leading to Istrehågan through the Marum forest, for example from Store Bergan skole. There are also agricultural symbols here which were etched into the hillside during the Bronze Age, 1500-500 B.C.E.^{[12] [13]}

Stone settings

There are various stone settings, including settings depicting several ships and circles. The stone settings are dated to 400-500 A.D.^[3][2]

Istrehågan has been named one of the most magnificent stone settings in the

Istrehåg's stone settings are similar to the stone settlements on the continent and on the British Isles. It is a protected cultural heritage area which is managed by the Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo.^[14][15][16]

Rock carvings

The rock art at Haugen farm has been described as the most picturesque rock carvings in Vestfold dated to the Bronze Age. On a mountain facing east, 100 meters down the road to Haugen farm, 78 small and large petroglyphs have been discovered. They are located over a 17-meter mountainside. The carvings include 28 ship and ship fragments, including petroglyphs of ships with tall stems, marked railing, and keels. 41 men have been carved onboard the largest ship carving. It also has carvings depicting numerous spiral figures, 37 cup and ring marks, and one circle.^[17][18]

The rock carvings were first described by S.A. Sørensen in his 1872 book Lidt om Sandeherred før i Tiden. It has been described as one of Vestfold’s most valuable ancient monuments.^[19] The petroglyphs are located at the Haugen farm, west of Jåberg Station. One group of carvings contain four warriors with round shields. Another group consists of two ships.^[20] They are the most visible during lots of daylight. The petroglyphs include 37 ships where railing, hull, and keel are marked.^[21]

References