I'm intrigued not only by the sheer number, but also by the variety of markings, as well as by the uniformity within individual varieties.
I find it very hard to imagine these were the product of simple idleness, but at the same time I also don't know how much intention and meaning to ascribe to them. Could these be counting something? Days? Deaths? Pilgrims? Could different designs indicate different things? Small crosses for individuals, large crosses for groups? Or perhaps denoting rank or status? What of distribution? Why are some stones filled to the brim, while others are far less marked? There even seems to be a circle enclosing one set of markings - could this be a way of denoting affiliation among different groups?
I'm intrigued not only by the sheer number, but also by the variety of markings, as well as by the uniformity within individual varieties.
ReplyDeleteI find it very hard to imagine these were the product of simple idleness, but at the same time I also don't know how much intention and meaning to ascribe to them. Could these be counting something? Days? Deaths? Pilgrims? Could different designs indicate different things? Small crosses for individuals, large crosses for groups? Or perhaps denoting rank or status? What of distribution? Why are some stones filled to the brim, while others are far less marked? There even seems to be a circle enclosing one set of markings - could this be a way of denoting affiliation among different groups?
Oh, for further context...
I feel the same, but I looked and it seems that there are lots of rumors and tour guides' tales about these and little real information.
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