documented,
    questioned &
    interpreted by Pan Harlan
    Update: 04/18/2005
The enigmatic Petroglyphs of Sweden trigger indeed many questions.

Pan Harlan was intrigued by these Bronze Age rock pictures. When were they made, for what purpose and why are they so abundant in Sweden.

In pursuit of answers, Pan Harlan embarked on a lengthy exploration of these ancient petroglyphs - including extensive on-site study as well as research of existing texts and documents. In an effort to catalogue and document these rock pictures, he resorted to a technique of rubbings (frottages). To date, Harlan has compiled an archive of over 300 rubbings.

These rubbings are scientifically accurate thanks to a special technique as applied by Pan Harlan. He used natural materials such as gras, sod, earth as well as various kinds of colored paper.

Many questions arise from study of these enigmatic pictures:
    What was their purpose and meaning?
    Who were their creators?
    Why were they hidden and not intended to be admired?
In an attempt to suggest possible answers, Pan Harlan developed a hypothesis and has put forth his findings in an as of yet unpublished book entitled: If you are interested in this subject, you may wish to visit Pan Harlan's personal web pages.

AVAILABLE FOR SALE: All original rubbings in his collection (approximately 500) are for sale. Many unique and attractive rubbings lend themselves excellently for framing as wall decoration. However, the collection in its entirety might also be of interest and is available to museums or other institutions.

NOTE: Originals cannot be mailed for inspection.

Site Visits since Nov 2000:


When the rays of the afternoon sun hit the rock surface at a low angle, the shallow incisions of the petroglyphs become visible. There seems to have been a cultic significance associated with the fact that these pictures were located right where water was running over the rock's surface.
The enigmatic cult pictures were hammered, knocked and engraved into stretches of rock once polished by glaciers.


This Cult Ship is packed with number symbolism: At the helm is the big shamane, his crew consisting of three (3) times three (3) persons raising two (2) times three (3) oars. The bow of the boat symbolizes two (2) and the stern represents three (3). The number symbolism is evident.


The shamane raises his cult ax as a sign of blessing. With the right hand he shows the holy number four (4). This number seems to represent the order of creation which should be accepted and obeyed. The circle quartered by a cross on the right conveys they same message.
The holy horse carries the sun back to the east, where it must be born again. During the Bronze Age it was a generally accepted belief that every being died to be born again. Even the sun and the moon were subject to this process.
According to this shamane, the holy four (4) should be adored, accepted and obeyed by mankind.
Pan Harlan on site - making a frottage.



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