Daviņi Large Stone

2020-03-07 In Cult Identity Latvia Stone Vidzeme region

Location

State: Latvia
Region: Vidzeme
County: Kocēni
Parish: Bērzaine

Other references to the location

At the Straume Creamery and the Daviņi homestead, about 100 m upwards the intersection of the Valmiera–Mazsalaca road and a small river

Coordinates

lat=57.6263888889, lon=25.2111111111
57° 37′ 35″ N, 25° 12′ 39″ E

Description

State archaeological heritage (State Inspection for Heritage Protection, No 2416). The first stone of this type discovered in the territory of Latvia that has been granted the heritage status. In 1925 it was discovered by a researcher A. Štāls. It is remarkable due to its 32 roundish conical hollows on the surface (diameter up to 15 cm, depth up to 7 cm) that are typical for cult stones widespread in Northern Europe. It is believed that in the second half of the 1st millennium BC at such stones the rituals of the dead and fertility were held. Other versions about the usage of hollows are as follows: for placing offerings, for astronomical observations, that the stone was used as a peculiar musical instrument, as well as for acquiring powder for healing needs. Dating — from the Stone Age to the Medieval Age (J. Urtāns. 1990. Footprint Stones, Boundary Stones, Trough Stones (Pēdakmeņi, robežakmeņi, muldakmeņi)). The dimensions of the stone: length of 4 m, width of 2.8 m, and height of 1.4 m. Other nearby objects: Dikļi, Burtnieki Lake, Mellači Stone. Situated within the territory of the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve.

Narrative

According to a tale, old maids dug the Viteķe River and had lunch on that stone. To the landlord who gave better food, the river came closer for him to have a better boundary. Until nowadays a tale has remained that on the stone a Swedish king had lunch. The hollows have remained from his food bowls. They also say that in older times after harvesting, grain was placed into the hollows. Hollows are as many as the gods. (J. Urtāns.1990. Footprint Stones, Boundary Stones, Trough Stones (Pēdakmeņi, robežakmeņi, muldakmeņi))

Attraction

A unique object in terms of sacred sites not only in Latvia, but also in the whole Baltics.

Availability

At the object there is a sign of the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve (though its current position does not allow to notice it). But it is easy to find the object. It can be visited free of charge.