Rispebjerg

Facts

Bornholm's woodhenge

By Pernille Foss, Cand.mag. i forhistorisk arkæologi (9 stories)

A ritual site on Rispebjerg on the island of Bornholm was constructed in the late Stone Age circa 2800 BC. 12 rows of palisade fences were set horizontally in concentric semi-circles across the long slope of the hillside. The hill itself is bounded on two sides by watercourses and steep cliffs. The palisades were not all built at the same time, and the site was in use in at least three phases. The site is characterised by traces of ritual acts: charred flint axes, slate engravings and the circles of wooden posts known as woodhenges, which so far are the only ones discovered in Denmark.

Public place

Selected entry

The sun temple

Story written by Pernille Foss

Time / Periode -2800

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The circles of timber posts – the woodhenges – on Rispebjerg were used in ritual acts. Their exact purpose is unknown, but they may have formed a sun temple. The posts supported a clay-covered platform on which fires could be lit. Burnt clay and several clay disks bearing sun symbols have been found by the henges. Two rows of posts led up to two of the platformed henges, which are thought to have been accessed by a stairway or chute. Britain has numerous circular shrines of this type, including Woodhenge near Stonehenge. Sections of the sun temple on Rispebjerg have been reconstructed at the site.