The Enigma That Is Stonehenge

The Enigma that is Stonehenge

Joseph Parish

For this brief rant, I have decided to comment upon the legendary prehistoric Stonehenge structure located in Wiltshire, England. This extraordinary formation is believed to have been constructed between 3000 and 2000 BC by a culture which unfortunately left no remaining records behind. The rock structure consists of a mixture of standing stones fashioned into a circular pattern amongst hundreds of ancient burial mounds. Throughout time its mystery has given birth to numerous myths surrounding its intended purpose.

This legally protected ancient monument is assumed to be some sort of burial ground as determined from the various accumulations discovered which contained human bones. It would also appear that its alignment is critical towards identifying its established use. Alignment of decayed post holes within the complex illustrates an east-west placement which could decidedly suggest a ritual significance based upon similar sites uncovered in Scandinavia. The current structure confirms a circular posture containing a sizeable entrance facing the northeast complimented by a smaller access along the southern edge. It prevails securely in an open grassland environment with a slightly developed slope which leans downward. Discovered at the bottom of the ditch was an abundance of deer and ox bones along with an assortment of flint tools. Although the enclosed ditch was continuous in nature, it was obvious that it had been dug out in sections and not all at one time. In 2013, excavation efforts revealed 50,000 cremated bones from 63 men and women who had been buried at Stonehenge two centuries before.

All the evidence gives the impression that this monolithic stone creation supported some sort of religious activity such as perhaps a funerary monument. Even though religion, mysticism and spiritual elements have previously entered the mystifying understanding associated with Stonehenge we have discovered practical applications as well, such as incorporated within its design of a celestial observatory. This was possibly used for predicting eclipses, equinox, solstice and a host of various celestial events which were likely important to the religious convictions of the people.

Since the stones weigh upward towards two tons each it was no simple task to move such monstrous pieces of rock. It has been suggested that movement was accomplished in a manner consistent with rows of poles and the rectangular framework as employed within the Asian countries of China, India and Japan at an earlier age. All in all there has been no evidence to reveal what types of construction techniques were employed by the Stonehenge builders.

Stonehenge should be viewed as more than just an archaeology wonder, but more so as an object of art. As we view this item of megalithic art, this famous stone monument begins telling us tales about its associated rock art, its carvings and the nearby engraved symbols featuring displays of weaponry carvings, daggers, cups and an assortment of ax heads. It reminds us that this massive collection of stones was created by humans and not compliments of Mother Nature. Given sufficient time and study the Neolithic culture will talk to us with its monumental fragments of the people who built it.

Stonehenge can be viewed as one would look at a sculpture, but humongous in size. This is an interesting juxtaposition offered towards this age old “pile of rock” relic. Imagine for a moment that you are viewing one of the world’s famous sculptures such as Paul Landowski’s, 1922 creation of “Christ the Redeemer” which towers above Rio de Janeiro, Brazil high atop Corcovado Mountain. This 130 foot statue represents a symbol of Christianity and has become a poster child in the country of Brazil. Closer to home, we encounter our own “Statue of Liberty” from the late 1800s. This lovely lady dressed in a stola and wearing her crown of freedom represents our nation and was kindly sculpted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. We could continue this venture of discovery with the Sphinx of Egypt, the Terracotta Army in China and a host of other amazing works of art. Stonehenge to me is no less of an art form than what we find mentioned above, other than we have no name to match to the wondrous work presented before us. The old saying that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder is very true when viewing art in all its varied facets.

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