Hogback (sculpture)

A hogback is a distinctive type of Anglo-Scandinavian sculpture, characteristic of the 10th and 11th centuries, primarily found in northern England, particularly Yorkshire, Cumbria, and southern Scotland. They are typically grave markers, although their precise function remains debated.

Hogbacks are characterized by their generally recumbent, house-shaped form, resembling the spine of a hog, hence the name. They are often decorated with carvings of animal figures (bears are common), interlace patterns, and scenes from Norse mythology, such as the Ragnarök (Twilight of the Gods). The style combines Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon artistic traditions, reflecting the cultural fusion that occurred in Viking-Age Britain.

The architectural resemblance to houses or long halls has led to theories that they represent houses for the dead, symbolic Viking halls, or even shrines. The carvings are often interpreted as protective symbols intended to safeguard the deceased in the afterlife.

Hogbacks vary in size and ornamentation, but their distinctive shape and distribution make them an important element of the archaeological record of the Viking Age in Britain. They offer valuable insights into the beliefs, artistic styles, and cultural interactions of the Anglo-Scandinavian population during this period.