The Alunda Elk

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The Alunda elk stands as a majestic ceremonial stone axe, born out of the Neolithic era, circa 4000-1700 B.C. It was unearthed in 1910 during an excavation of a ditch in Norrlövsta, within the boundaries of Alunda parish, Östhammar Municipality, Uppland. This 21 cm long marvel is carved from greenish black diorite and defies conventional use as a battle-axe or tool. One end takes on the natural form of an elk's head, while the body features a subtle ridge echoing the animal's neck, and the back edge tapers off softly rounded. The conical shaft hole remains untouched. The Alunda elk is believed to have played a central role in ancient ceremonies, though the nature and significance of these rituals are now lost to us. As one of the most breathtaking animal sculptures from the Nordic Neolithic, it bears testament to the exceptional skill of its creator, an artist deeply familiar with the physical characteristics of the elk. Experts attribute the axe's origins to Karelia, a region known for similar depictions of animals. Historiska, The Swedish History Museum, has meticulously scanned this enigmatic object, preserving its essence for future generations.