Profile 5

June 16, 2021

Article

| Runestones

In the same series:

The Runestone Styles

The Styles

The Stones

Pr 5

c. 1100 – 1130

Characterisation of the style

As defined by Anne-Sofie Gräslund

Overall impression

The characteristic, tight check pattern, formed by parallel lines crossing each other at right angles, usually horizontally and vertically on the carved area, lines that are parts of the loops of the rune animal and the snake.

Head

Two types occur, a) one triangular with clear roots in Pr 4, Pr 3 etc., which ends at the back in the typical hook shape, constituting the step down to the neck. and b) one with a rounded skull and stop of the same kind as in Irish metalwork from the beginning of the 12th century.

Eye

a) can be thin, straight or almond shaped but is generally lacking. b) round or reverse almond shaped.

Ear

a) very low set and strongly bent backwards, often only faintly outlined. b) either leaning backwards or lacking.

Mouth

a) straight underline, straight, closed mouth with a small lip lappet downwards, nose tip slightly bent upwards. b) often half open (occasionally closed) with a lower lip thickened downwards. Upper lip rolled in downwards.

Feet

Normally with two straight toes and a pointed spur, which may continue in a loop-shaped tendril. The hook shape is found at the angle between the long leg with knee and the foot.

Tail

Normally replaced by a foot.

Additional snakes

Essential, occur always, without them there would be no Pr 5 pattern.

Layout

One rune animal along the edge with over-crossing. Angles or “knees” at the lower part of the carving where the head piece and tail piece meet are frequent, giving symmetry to the composition and creating the typical hook shape that recurs in the form of heads and feet.