A rare 12th-century stone carving, known as a “picture stone,” has been discovered in northern Germany. The carving may depict Otto of Bamberg, a bishop and missionary who brought Christianity to the region around 800 years ago.
The discovery is significant because there are only about 20 other known picture stones in the region. Typically, these stones show people with identifying attributes such as clothing. This stone shows an upright standing person wearing a cap, shawl, short robe, and possibly shoes, holding something that looks like a banner. The face is not depicted in detail, but the eyes are clearly visible.
One particular detail stands out: a carved cross at the loose hanging end of the shawl. This is the only known picture stone with a cross on it. The team believes the carving may be Otto because of the pallium, a religious cloth worn by popes, archbishops, and very honorable bishops. Written sources detail that in 1111, Otto received the pallium from Pope Paschalis II.
Otto is believed to have passed through Klotzow on his journeys in the area. The purpose of picture stones is unknown, but they may have been used as a type of remembrance or tombstone.
Once the team’s analysis is complete, they hope to put the picture stone on permanent display in the village where it was recovered.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/absolutely-outstanding-12-century-picture-stone-unearthed-in-germany-likely-depicts-bishop-who-brought-christianity-to-region