Scandinavian Dragon Head Talisman

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This wonderfully strange boulder—carved into the unmistakable form of a dragon’s head—is equal parts folk art, artifact, and mystery. With … Read more This wonderfully strange boulder—carved into the unmistakable form of a dragon’s head—is equal parts folk art, artifact, and mystery. With a wide toothy grin, eyes on either side, and a surface softened by lichen and time, it was discovered in southwestern Wisconsin, a region shaped by waves of Scandinavian immigration. We can’t say for certain who carved it or when, but its weathered features and mossy patina suggest it’s been outdoors for generations. Its form brings to mind the long-standing Scandinavian tradition of dragon carvings, often placed on rooftops or gables to ward off evil spirits. Perhaps this dragon was stationed in a field to protect a farmer’s crops—an American echo of an Old World belief. Whatever its origin, it’s a deeply compelling object: bold, folkloric, and totally one-of-a-kind. A rare find for lovers of the unusual, the symbolic, and the stories stones might tell. See less