Analysis
01
Big cups
They can be of natural origin. (Erosion
by ice or water) or later they had been more elaborated. It is plausible that
some of them were used for cults / rituals. We find such
basins at these objects:
Da-01 - Dachfirst
Di-03 - Opferstein (rock of sacrifices)
Di-09 - Kuckucksstein (stone of the coucou)
Di-RC-03b1
- Rocher des Celtes (Celtic rock)
The formule „ritual needs calendar“ is
still valid today. You would probably never celebrate Chrismal in plain summer!
But the prehistorical „calendar“ was „slightly different“. It was a tiny
cupules besides the big basin called „Rocher des Celtes“ which caught my
interest when watching a photo in a newspaper. In this
basin maybe once woman gave birth to children? You find this huge and nice cup
easily when walked into this garden of nice rocks wherein you can easily take a
seat as well. The cup may have been artificially widened and a kind of hump is
on top of it. You won’t find such a nice big cup elsewhere. Each late winter
here a very ancient tradition takes place: the „Schiibeschlo“. (Hitting the
disks). A tiny round wooden disk with a hole in the middle is fixed to a stick
and heated in a fire while composing a verse with „Schiibe“ and then catapulted
downwards, as we do with golf or the Swiss ancient sport of „Hornussen“. But
that tiny cup which apparently did not bother anybody, was for me the entrance
to study many astronomical cupstones in that same region! Even
arount the Celtic rock there are many astronomical cups. At the „Opferstein“
you can climb on top of the cups and the „calendar cups“ are just where you get
up through a kind of cheminee at your height. Therefore I suppose, that cults
had been made on that stone. The „Kuckucksstein“ needs a small leather to get
onto it, where huge basins are as well. But ist name might
also hide a cult-stone of long ago. „Coucou“ was often a
replacement for „devil“ and could mean a pagant stone.
02
WSW-A – Wintersolstice – RISE (127°)
TNG-A – Equinox – RISE (89°)
Conditioned by the East-orientation of
the landscape at Dieffenthal automatically the observation of sun-rises were
favored. (and not the sunsets). And this even more
to the South. The summer-solstice-rise (52°) is found seldom, at these obects:
Di- RC-02 – small groups of small cups, where better sight to Northeast is provided.
Di-04 –Wolfskirche, which lies much higher and thus more favorable for this direction.
This is so, since with „mathematical“ horizons (SCHEMES 21) it was
also theoretically by means of the „Indian circle“ possible to find the
important directions without being dependant on the weather at the days of
observations. This is confirmed by many of my visits
at cupstones in Europe! Practically all cupstones of the Dieffenthal region are
laid out to those both directions. Exceptions only – as mentioned – e.g. at the
higher positioned „Wolfskirche“
03
Use of natural holes etc. or of
rock-tops and adaption of the place of cups to these geological features.
It would be wrong to believe that the
cupstone-makers just pierced somewhere a whole (cup) onto a stone and later
only looked to make one more in the direction of solstices or equinoxes! They adapted themselves to Nature and by that spared them of much
unnecessary work!
S-01 - Stein am Weg von
Dieffenthal zur Ortenburg
Di-02b - Hexenstein
(unterer Teil)
Di-06 - Kuhlägerstein
Di-RC-01a - Rinnenstein
Di RC-04a - Rinnenstein
The stone S-01 in the way to the Ortenburg has on top
a cup easily to be seen. Only when you measure from it the direction of the
equinox by the compass, you get to know the function of this object, because
then you drop onto a natural encarving that served perfectly to put into a
staff. This „hole“ together with the cup
makes exactly 89° (rise of the sun at the equinox) which corresponds perfectly
with the situation of the horizons.
No holes for splitting the rock with
dynamite or in a more primitive way !
Di-08 – Hinterbackstein (small stone quite near, but below)
It would be premature to think of these „holes“ as for
cutting the stone into two pieces! The three notches are in line and directed
exactly to 89° (sunrise at equinox) and that is probably not the game of
hazard! But it is just to the situation of the horizons. The observer had made
this „holes“ well on the height of his breat and thus ideally to observe. Often
in the Granite, besides nice cups, you find this type. It may even have been
made be means of metallic tools, e.g. by the Celts. And the Celtic oppidum in
Niederbronn-les-Bains (Alsace) shows tiny cups made by a ring-shaped chisel.
No holes for splitting the stone !
Di-08 – Hinterbackstein (smaller stone beneath)
It would be premature to think of holes in order to explose the stone into two halfs. The three holes are exactly directed to 89°, means equinoctial sunrise (probably not by chance!) which in addition suits to the situation of the landscape. The observer has the holes on the height of his breast which is ideal for observation.(Besides "nice" cups in the granite we also find this kind of "holes" probably done with iron tools and even at the period of the Celts. We have cups of ring-shaped done with woden chisels at a Celtic oppdium, at Niederbronn-les-Bains, in the Northern Vosges mountains)-
04
Small distances
Di-04 – Wolfskirche
Di-RC-02 – small groups of small cups
The tiny cups are grouped quite tightly
together. Similar small distances are to be founde in the Black
Forest (Valley of the Elz, Yach, or at Schonach). By means of a small bar on
which were attached two pendules it was possible to observe. We have here at
Dieffenthal not only long distances until 38m
but also very short distances. At the „Wolfskirche“ both, 3m distance,
and small distances. For short distances I used also a small bar with two
pendules, but fixed onto a mini-tripod, thus my hands are free to handle the
compass. SCHEMES (20)
05
Big distances
Di-02a / 02b – Krete
oben
Di-04 – Wolfskirche
Di-06 – Kuhlägerstein
Di-RC-01a/01b – Rinnenstein
(Kimme) / Kornstein (laterale Rinne, Schale)
Di-RC-03a/b1/b2
– Triangle at the Rocher des Celtes
Whilst the „Wolfskirche“ has 3m
distance, the object „Krete oben“ has 38m between the observer-cup and the
lateral carvings for a vertical stick.. The „Kuhlägerstein“ has also distances
of 2-3m. The triangle around the Rock of Celts has distances of about 10 m. The basin invites to sit
in. The (rainure-stone) Rinnenstein has the direction to a lateral rainure with
on top a cup, as well about 7 m.
For long distances it was well needed to put staffs. Maybe had they already
kind of mini-trepeds of an assistant had to hold a pendule over the cup. SCHEMES (20)
06
„Shooting-stand“
Di-06 – Kuhlägerstein
Comparing the prodecure of aiming for the horizon is
here very close to the situation in a shooting-stand. Onto
two parallel slightly staggered, are cups engraved. The observer thus could
take them as points to observe via the tops of near rocks the important directions
to the horizon. Of course, the rocks were already there (by nature) and the
position of the cups had to be adaped to give those directions! Again, Nature was made useful in this way of labouring! The whole
arrangement of rocks is unique and offered this type of „shooting-stand“. The
name „Kuhlägerstein“ (where the cows were lying) comes from the time when the
cattle also were left in the forests.SCHEMES (20)
07
Observation of the length of the
shadows at noon
Other than with the horizon-astronomy this method had the
advantage to be independent of the weather-situation at the observation-day. (As goes with the „Indian circle“). However rare are such
objects. With little objects for comparison we do not have much plausibility.
That’s why I wrote „hypothetis“. Since there are no
proofs. Interesting is however, that in this region we even have two objects
and of different variety!
Di-RC-03b2 – 2 holes on the side, slight staggered one over the other
The two holes, that also serve for a point to the horizont watching the sunrise of the equinoxes, have as well another function. (Which explains their sidewards position and the depth of the holes). Into both holes can easily be planted a staff in horizontal position. When the shadow at noon falls from the upper staff onto the lower staff, then we have the sommer-solstice. Menhirs with holes also had sometimes this function.
The two holes, that also serve for a point to the horizont watching the sunrise of the equinoxes, have as well another function. (Which explains their sidewards position and the depth of the holes). Into both holes can easily be planted a staff in horizontal position. When the shadow at noon falls from the upper staff onto the lower staff, then we have the sommer-solstice. Menhirs with holes also had sometimes this function.
08
Counting cups
Di-11 – Bangertstein
This rock – as mentioned – has one more
feature. The grouped tiny cups are making about 30. First you believed of
„being made by chance“. But this number is found on the other rare examples of
this type and let us thinks of counting the number of days for a lunation
(period of full moon).
09
Christianisation
Di-02a – Krete oben (Kimme) – Hexenstein (stone of whitches)
Di-09 – Kuckucksstein
The „stones of „whitches“ betrays by ist name alread a
„christianisation“ (diabolisation) and means it was a cultic/astronomical
stone. The other „christianisation“ is show by an engraved cross ending in the
cup (which was the point of the observer to watch downwards to the other rock
38m off). Similar engraving at Lautenbach / Guebwiller (Alsace). Another
arrangement which is unique and makes the Dieffenthal-Region very peculiar. The
name „coucou“ replaced often the name „devil“. This bird goes well with the
fear to enter the forest, his cry and his „bad character“, throwing out eggs in
the nests of other birds to profit from well being nourished.
10
Direction of the South
Di-11 Bangertstein
Di-RC-03b1 Rocher des Celtes, grosses Bassin
Di-RC-03b2 zwei laterale Schalen übereinander
Di-05 nahe Wolfskirche
As alreadmy mentioned, there are two reasons for the use of the South-direction.
a) Horizon-astronomy
The geometrical construction of the "Indian circle" which allows to find the proper direction in the theory and on every sunny day and afterwards to apply to it the solstice-angle correct for this latitude. This goes for the object Di-05 (near and underneath the Wolfskirche).
b) Astronomy of shadow-trajectories
We find at DIEFFENTHAL to objects and each of different type: Di-11 Bangertstein
where - by way of a gnomon all 3 importants days at noon (WSW / TNG / SSW) could be found since the rock lies perfectly Northsouth and has enough length. One could even try to seek a "hole" in which stuck the gnomon! (It is this only my hypothesis but another explanation for the position of the cup on top and the two cavities at the southern end of the rock does not come to my mind and by the way are the distances among them quite well going with those for the shadow-distances for the mentioned 3 days).
Both the objects of ROCHER DES CELTES, namely the big basin (resp. a tiny cup just off it), the object Di-RC-03b1 and 03b2 are to each other in the line Northsouth! Thus, at a great scale, several m distanced (whereas for Di-05 2 near and beneath Wolfskirche" in miniature) the "Indian circle" could be applied in order to find a position of observer at Di-RC-03a! There at breast's height (for the observer) three tiny cups, perfectly in place (for the directions and for the observer as well). By chance the Northsouth-line continues and works for both holes on the rock-side (for putting two staffs into them) at Di-RC-03b2 as to observe the sommersolstice at noon-time.
11
Position of the observer
Di-03 Opferstein / Stone of sacrifice
Di-08 Hinterbackstein (nearby, but beneath)
Di-06 Kuhlägerstein
Di-RC-02 Little group of small cups
Di-02b Krete oben (Korn-Steingruppe)
At the horizon-astronomy the ideal observer-position was less important than that of the horizons but quite essential for an exact and also comfortable procedure of watching the sun-rise or sun-set. And with this in mind, it is easer to find the cups and their functions on a given stone! We find several types of these positions. Alle objects above-mentioned do have special features. Especially at Di-03 Opferstein / sacrifice stone the position of the cavities (no "nice cups") is not only ideal, but was the only possible practical position. (Which in turn shows as once more again when ingenious and adapted to Nature the people created the cups for astronomical purposes!). This also goes for object Di-08 Hinterbackstein (beneath) which offers the best position for an observer and for putting the marks into the stone. (Truely, that 2 marks instead of 3 marks would have been enough, but I do not think there served for splitting the stone into two, for this object was not practical for such use and besides we have exactly 89° TNG over the three cavities!). Di-RC-02 die kleine Schälchengruppe (tiny group of tiny cups) is also well on the ideal height for the observation. On the other hand, at the object Di-06 Kuhlägerstein the observer was kneeling as in a shooting-stand between two rock-ridges. Another position there is not helsome for observation. Thus could he watch over two near rock-tops of pyramidical shape. The comparison to a "shooting stand" comes here very near and again do we see the similarity between observation (horizon-astronomy) and shooting / hunting! (This is the only object where there had been not enough "mathematical" horizons and thus the directions are slightly more to the South then the theoretical directions). For the other objects the observer had to be on the object - standing / on his knees / lying and anyway use one or two pendules. Di-02b Krete oben (Kimme-Stein) however has at least 2 verticals grooves (38m away from the observer!). One of the channels is the right one (according to the true direction) and has apparently some trace of additional human work! FOTO (24). Here again the position of the observer's cup (38 m in the distance !) had only to be put in accordance to one of those channels - and not the other way round! Other European regions have other examples of that kind with other varieties. I just present one at SCHEMAS (20) (Leistruper Wald, Region of Detmold, D-NRW). There is as well a channel in the direction to the horizon ("like a gun") and an "indicator- or address-cup". This "address-cup" we find also here in the Alsace at the Pierre de Charlemagne, Gerardmer. Hence, we often see regional types, which however can be found in other regions as well!
10
Direction of the South
Di-11 Bangertstein
Di-RC-03b1 Rocher des Celtes, grosses Bassin
Di-RC-03b2 zwei laterale Schalen übereinander
Di-05 nahe Wolfskirche
As alreadmy mentioned, there are two reasons for the use of the South-direction.
a) Horizon-astronomy
The geometrical construction of the "Indian circle" which allows to find the proper direction in the theory and on every sunny day and afterwards to apply to it the solstice-angle correct for this latitude. This goes for the object Di-05 (near and underneath the Wolfskirche).
b) Astronomy of shadow-trajectories
We find at DIEFFENTHAL to objects and each of different type: Di-11 Bangertstein
where - by way of a gnomon all 3 importants days at noon (WSW / TNG / SSW) could be found since the rock lies perfectly Northsouth and has enough length. One could even try to seek a "hole" in which stuck the gnomon! (It is this only my hypothesis but another explanation for the position of the cup on top and the two cavities at the southern end of the rock does not come to my mind and by the way are the distances among them quite well going with those for the shadow-distances for the mentioned 3 days).
Both the objects of ROCHER DES CELTES, namely the big basin (resp. a tiny cup just off it), the object Di-RC-03b1 and 03b2 are to each other in the line Northsouth! Thus, at a great scale, several m distanced (whereas for Di-05 2 near and beneath Wolfskirche" in miniature) the "Indian circle" could be applied in order to find a position of observer at Di-RC-03a! There at breast's height (for the observer) three tiny cups, perfectly in place (for the directions and for the observer as well). By chance the Northsouth-line continues and works for both holes on the rock-side (for putting two staffs into them) at Di-RC-03b2 as to observe the sommersolstice at noon-time.
11
Position of the observer
Di-03 Opferstein / Stone of sacrifice
Di-08 Hinterbackstein (nearby, but beneath)
Di-06 Kuhlägerstein
Di-RC-02 Little group of small cups
Di-02b Krete oben (Korn-Steingruppe)
At the horizon-astronomy the ideal observer-position was less important than that of the horizons but quite essential for an exact and also comfortable procedure of watching the sun-rise or sun-set. And with this in mind, it is easer to find the cups and their functions on a given stone! We find several types of these positions. Alle objects above-mentioned do have special features. Especially at Di-03 Opferstein / sacrifice stone the position of the cavities (no "nice cups") is not only ideal, but was the only possible practical position. (Which in turn shows as once more again when ingenious and adapted to Nature the people created the cups for astronomical purposes!). This also goes for object Di-08 Hinterbackstein (beneath) which offers the best position for an observer and for putting the marks into the stone. (Truely, that 2 marks instead of 3 marks would have been enough, but I do not think there served for splitting the stone into two, for this object was not practical for such use and besides we have exactly 89° TNG over the three cavities!). Di-RC-02 die kleine Schälchengruppe (tiny group of tiny cups) is also well on the ideal height for the observation. On the other hand, at the object Di-06 Kuhlägerstein the observer was kneeling as in a shooting-stand between two rock-ridges. Another position there is not helsome for observation. Thus could he watch over two near rock-tops of pyramidical shape. The comparison to a "shooting stand" comes here very near and again do we see the similarity between observation (horizon-astronomy) and shooting / hunting! (This is the only object where there had been not enough "mathematical" horizons and thus the directions are slightly more to the South then the theoretical directions). For the other objects the observer had to be on the object - standing / on his knees / lying and anyway use one or two pendules. Di-02b Krete oben (Kimme-Stein) however has at least 2 verticals grooves (38m away from the observer!). One of the channels is the right one (according to the true direction) and has apparently some trace of additional human work! FOTO (24). Here again the position of the observer's cup (38 m in the distance !) had only to be put in accordance to one of those channels - and not the other way round! Other European regions have other examples of that kind with other varieties. I just present one at SCHEMAS (20) (Leistruper Wald, Region of Detmold, D-NRW). There is as well a channel in the direction to the horizon ("like a gun") and an "indicator- or address-cup". This "address-cup" we find also here in the Alsace at the Pierre de Charlemagne, Gerardmer. Hence, we often see regional types, which however can be found in other regions as well!
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