Sandstone slab stone of the “liljesten”/lily stone type. The stone, with its relief carving is embellished with two “trees of life” with lily or palmette-like branches. Between the trees there is a ledge and they each grow up from their stone step pyramids on the bottom edge of the tombstone. The branches of one of the trees twist around, ending in lily leaves. The branches of the other create a heart-like pattern with five Acanthus hearts on the upper edge, one above the other. The motif is Christian and relates to eternal life in Paradise. This motif also appears on much smaller objects, such as small pendants and bronze or silver mounts, originating from southeast Europe or the Orient. Some people believe that the Lily Stones are evidence of a mission from the East. The stone used is local, from Lugnåsberget, a mountain consisting mainly of sandstone. Lugnås Church, Björsäter Parish, Västergötland.
Image rights: Ola Myrin, Historiska museet/SHM (CC BY 4.0)
