Hero Stone Types

Explore the different types of carvings on these hero stone. Pay attention to the differences in composition, construction, layers and themes represented on these stones as you view them.

This hero stone illustrates a rather straight forward theme as you can see from the hero and the feline in combat. Look closer for more objects that give you insights into the context of the death.

 

These hero stones are strikingly different from the one shown above. Characteristics of these types of stones are easier to identify in some cases due to the paintings exhibiting traits that are recognizable. What trait can you see that symbolizes affiliation on the stones?

Scanned images from: Rajan, K., South Indian Memorial Stones, Sasirajan Publishers, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India 2000.

The two sets of hero stone cpsoies above show the varied nature of hero stones.

Scanned images from: Rajan, K., South Indian Memorial Stones, Sasirajan Publishers, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India 2000.

Again this hero stone is nothing more than an inscised outline of the hero, but the symbolic material culture depicted gives insight into the hero stones specific characteristics.

This hero stone has a complex arrangement of images. Using the images as representations of material culture, one can elicit subtle information to place them within cultural and historical contexts, including as regional comparisons.