Geologists say this pit stone was probably used in the Bronze Age, which spans the years 1700 BC to 500 BC. The Bronze Age was the first prehistoric period to show clear signs of international connections with trade. Here in the Nordics came the Iron Age and then the Viking Age until about 1,050 AD.
A pit stone is a flat stone or rock with hollowed-out depressions called bowl pits that are knocked out with a knock stone. The number of pits varies from a few to several dozen. Bowl pits occur around the world in different cultures and during different times.
Pit stones are called sacrificial stones and are usually located near or on burial grounds. They may have a connection with the cult of death. People have also made sacrifices to promote regrowth. According to folklore, the pits have also been used to ward off disease.
They probably also had an important role in connection with fertility cults. In the vernacular, the stones are called river mills.
How this stone ended up in Gesunda is shrouded in obscurity.
In Dalarna, sacrificial stones can be found in, among other places, Gagnef, Säter and By in Avesta.
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