Hällstad Monument
Hällstad, Ulricehamn
In Hällstad's cemetery, Hällstad's Monument can be found. Stemming from the 1100s, the monument is believed to be the site of the grave of a great man from the district.
Influence from England
The pictures depict a remarkably strong influence from English stone sculpture from this time, and is very ably designed by a rock master of high class.
Lockstenen has a cross, which is framed by rope and leaf ornaments. The east gable front side shows human figures intertwined in a sheet coil, which is based in a devil's gape. On the inner side, there is a monk reading, along with a deacon.
On the west end of the inner side one can find the image of the Lamb of God with the cross bar, while the outside shows a high stalked cross with two men, one of whom touches his sword on the base of the cross, but the other one grabs the other hand. Around the cross's lower end, is a biting dragon.
Unique for Sweden
In similar grave monuments, they tend to be adorned with a cross, as is the case with Olof Skötkonungs and Queen Estrids supposed graves in Husaby. Hällstad's Monument lacks the crosses on the sides, which is unique for Sweden.
The subject here, as in many other stone sculptures from the early Middle Ages the struggle between God and evil, and the battle between Christianity and paganism.