Learning to know a Rune Carver and his cutting technique. A method study and some results

Abstract

A method study on the use of surface structure analysis with laserscanner according to Freij 1990 has been performed in cooperation with a modern rune carver. Results of the statistical data analyses show that it is possible to distinguish between individual rune carvers with at least 70% accuracy. The method is continually modified. Statistical methods used are Cluster Analysis, Discriminant Analysis and ANOVA. The conclusions of the method study is the starting point for the analysis of rune stone of the Viking Age situated in the counties Uppland and Östergötland in Sweden. Some carvers, who have been extremely productive, like Öpir, have given rise to the question if the rune stones were subject to schools. This in connection to the carver's role and position in society in the aim of my study. Data are also tested against Herschend's view that two carvers named Öpir have been active during overlapping time periods (Herschend 1997). Result indicate that the division of Öpir into at least two carvers is justified, ubiR can clearly be distinguished from ybiR/ybir.