http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Kultur/2011/05/09/164209.htm
Allow my primitive attempt of translating the latest news about the Jelling Stones here in Denmark:
Archaeologist fear the Jelling stones crumbling
09. May 2011 16:50 Culture
Wednesday the process begins of securing the two Jelling stones against the weather, wind and naughty fingers.
Wednesday morning, a large crane with a 70 meter long arch thus will move the small runic stone, which in a few weeks are to be moved into a glass display case.
But winter has been harsh on the stone. It consists of many layers, and when water seeps in and then freezes, the stone cracks. Therefore, archaeologists worry that the stone will crumble.
Extra fragile stone
- I am a professional nervous. I have worked on restoring dolmens and passage graves and are therefore accustomed with dealing with stones in this weight class, says Heritage Agency archaeologist Jørgen Westphal and continues:
- But we are not accustomed with handling stones, which is so fragile. Therefore, we have taken extra precautions. We've got a blacksmith making a special suspension, in order for us to be able to lift the stone in a more gentle way, says Jørgen Westphal.
The stone are to be lifted about ten meter away and to come back to the original place in a few weeks, when the foundation is in place. Archaeologists have chosen not to lift the large Jelling stone, but will build the glasshousings foundation around the stone.
Unique World Heritage
Three months ago, the Jelling stones was vandalized. A 15-year-old boy later admitted to have painted the stones with green graffiti and the cryptic message 'Gelwan E'.
Rune stones are on Unesco's list of unique world heritage. This World heritage consists of two rune stone, a medieval church and the two largest mounds, from the Viking era.
These stones are on the Unesco list because it reflects the first official transition from paganism to Christianity in Scandinavia.
/ Ritzau /
Something is not right. This message is just to keep things from messing up down the road