Björn's tomb from Botkyrka
3D-model of medieval tomb from Botkyrka church, in the collections of the Swedish History Museum (CC by 4.0).
This tomb chest was carved from a single block of sandstone in the 12th century. It is shaped like a church and decorated in the Romanesque style with floral patterns and elongated figures. One side depicts the Last Judgement. Christ stands in the centre, calling to the faithful. The man rising from a grave on the right is believed to be Björn.
The Latin inscription is an appeal to the reader: “You who read this and are ignorant, know that a noble man lies here; I beg you, Christ, to say: may he, Björn, be free from sin.” An old Norse inscription in runes says, “Karl made this stone for Björn, his kinsman, Sven and Bänkfrid’s son of Hammarby.” Björn Svensson founded the first church in Botkyrka as a tribute to his brother, the martyr Botvid.
Björn's tomb
Original object that has been 3D-scanned
On view at Historiska museet in the exhibition Medeltida konst
Digitisation in 3D
The Swedish History Museum is part of the government agency National Historical Museums. The organisation is constantly working to digitise its collections. One example of this work is the creation of 3D models of some of the museum’s objects.
How is a 3D model made?
A photographer takes a large number of still photos of an object from different angles. These images are then processed by computer software to create a digital version of the object – a 3D model. This technique is called photogrammetry or Structure from Motion (SfM).
In this way, 3D models of objects from the museum’s collections are continuously being created. The models are made available on the platform Sketchfab.com, where you can view, download and freely reuse them under an open licence. Have you used our 3D models to create something you’d like to share with us? Or would you like to get in touch with the department responsible for the 3D models? Feel free to email: bilder@shm.se
