cupmark continuation

wideford Nov 10, 2005 23:35:07

Doing research in the Orkney Archive and found a report in "The Orcadian" about a visiting professional noting numerous cupmarks either side of the main entrance to St.Magnus Cathedral, as well as on other stones. Dr.W.Widdansen said that such cupmarks were seen on many churches in Germany, and on other buildings besides. Apparently they were made to obtain stone dust for medicinal purposes.

fitzcoraldo Nov 10, 2005 23:47:26

Replying to wideford

I've read about that it's called geophagy or pica, i've got a link to an article somewhere

rockartuk Nov 11, 2005 22:14:13

Replying to wideford

We noticed some cup-like carvings at the base of some pillars in the ruined Jedburgh Abbey in May last year.
I've uploaded some pics and remarks to BRAC on
http://rockartuk.fotopic.net/p22663583.html
Are there pics of the carvings in Kirkwall?
Cheers,
Jan

Littlestone Nov 11, 2005 23:12:52

Replying to wideford

>Dr.W.Widdansen said that such cupmarks were seen on many churches in Germany, and on other buildings besides. Apparently they were made to obtain stone dust for medicinal purposes.<

That might tie in with Layamon's poem <b>Brut</b> from AD1200 describing Stonehenge -

The stones are great
And magic power they have
Men that are sick
Fare to that stone
And they wash that stone
And with that water bathe away their sickness

fitzcoraldo Nov 14, 2005 16:33:35

Replying to wideford

Whilst wandering through the Babylonia galleries in the British museum I was struck by this sculpture.
http://images.fotopic.net/ydj9ig.jpg
The sculpture is about 6 feet tall. Initially I thought that the sculpture was complete but on reading the information card I discovered that what I was looking at was the remains of a larger sculpture, the indentations in the rock were caused by people using it as a rubbing stone.
Either way, it is a very beautiful stone.