June 2023
Page 10

Octaval and Unequal Hours: Three Norwegian Sundials

Describes three historic Norwegian sundials (Giske Church Mass Dial, Kråkvåg Horizontal Sundial, Mandal Horizontal Sundial) demonstrating the use of octaval hours (eight parts of the day) and unequal hours (15 degrees). The study details how the octaval system gave way to unequal hours during a transition period, and uses compass history to estimate ages.
Dials: Horizontal, Dials: Mass Dials, Historical Dials, How Sundials Work

Johan A. Wikander

December 2022
Page 31

Three Scandinavian Sundials

Investigates three Scandinavian dials: the reworked Tingvoll Church Mass Dial (Norway, ca. 1200/1660-70), the ivory Falsterbo sundial (Sweden, ca. 1500), and the soapstone Vardøhus Sundial (Norway, 16th/17th C), discussing octaval and unequal hours.
Dials: Vertical, Dials: Portable, Historical Dials, Dials: Mass Dials

Johan A. Wikander

September 2021
Page 38

Symbols Found on Scandinavian Sundials from the Middle Ages

Examines secular symbols used on Scandinavian sundials from the Middle Ages. Discussed symbols include the Pole Star, the Sun, a cock, and those relating to the farmer's life (like the axe). The article also analyses runic letters, such as the K-rune, used as noon marks or numerals, reflecting the mixed octaval and unequal hour systems.
Dials: Mass Dials, Dials: Portable, Historical Dials

Johan A. Wikander

September 2020
Page 42

The Horizontal Mass Dial at Munkeby Abbey, Norway

Investigates the remains of a large horizontal mass dial at the Cistercian Munkeby Abbey ruins, Norway. The term "Timstokk" (hour/rod) in Old Scandinavian refers to such a dial. Based on the alignment, the dial is estimated to date from the Middle Ages, possibly around 1350.
How Sundials Work, Historical Dials, Dials: Mass Dials

Johan A. Wikander

December 2012
Page 40

The Celtic Quartet Re-Visited And Augmented

This article revisits the Celtic Quartet of medieval mass dials, noting their unusual carving on separate stones. It introduces a newly discovered, similar slate dial from Vardøhus, Norway, dated 1480–1550, expanding the Quartet to six or seven examples and highlighting historical maritime trade connections between the regions where these dials are found.
Dials: Horizontal, Dials: Portable, Historical Dials, Dials: Mass Dials

Tony Wood
Johan A. Wikander