Science Daily reports that the mysterious markings were found hewn into one, isolated sandstone boulder and include a group of deep, concave spherical shapes that are about 20 centimeters in diameter. They resemble elliptical borings in the rock--not just scratches on the surface. One of the shapes looks like an adult footprint, while another appears to be a stylized heart. There are also several deep scores. The rock carvings were found in Northumberland in northeast England, an area that is rich in such treasures and is widely regarded as possessing the finest collection of prehistoric rock art in the country.
But who created them? And what do they mean?
Aron Mazel and Stan Beckensall, two archaeologists from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in the United Kingdom who between them have more than 60 years of experience studying rock art, are totally baffled. And they aren't the only ones. Experts from English Heritage and The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland are just as confused. No one has ever seen anything like it before. They do know this: The markings could not have been made in recent times.
Here are some theories:
- The carvings were created when the rock was used to sharpen tools.
- The carvings were made by early medieval monks and hermits who lived in Northumberland.
- The carvings were made during the last 3,000 years.
- Since the carvings are sharp, metal tools must have been used.
"As far as I know, these markings are unique and nothing like them exists anywhere else in Northumberland or in the British Isles," Beckensall told Science Daily.
The mystery continues.
