Viking Runestone Art Project

Viking Runestone Art Project introduces students to the fascinating combination of art, design, and writing found on historical Viking runestones. Students explore authentic examples and discover how Viking artists used rune bands, interlacing, twisting animal forms, decorative details, and color before applying these ideas to a runestone design of their own.

Students also learn about Younger Futhark, the 16-rune writing system commonly used during the Viking Age. The included rune guide helps students experiment with writing a name, word, or short message while recognizing that Viking runes do not correspond exactly to the modern English alphabet. Multiple templates offer different levels of guidance, from partially completed designs to a blank runestone for creating an original composition.

The project combines art, history, pattern, color, and creative design while allowing students to work at their own level. Authentic runestone examples, finished project artwork, design guidance, printable templates, and step-by-step instructions are included to support the creative process while leaving plenty of room for individual interpretation.

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