Cult stone “Odziņu bedrīšakmens”

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Located at the side of the Liepāja–Ventspils highway, in a nature reserve near the turnoff to "Ievkalni," the "Odziņu" Cup Stone is considered one of the oldest known cult stones. The round depressions on its surface were carved using a smaller stone thousands of years ago. The true meaning of these carvings remains unclear to this day, though several theories have been proposed regarding their purpose. Some believe they marked a birth or death, created a star map, were part of religious rituals, served economic purposes, or were used in folk medicine, among other possibilities.

Typology: A large stone in Latvia, a cupstone of archaeological significance.

Dimensions: Volume 16 cubic meters, weight 43 tons.

The stone got its name in 2008 when it was discovered, examined, and named after the nearby "Odziņu" house by a Latvian Petrogliphy Centre expedition.

The stone is located near the Kalnmaļu (Mātras) hill fort and ancient settlement, where the depressions were found. Cult stones are typically located near ancient sites.

In 2011, it was discovered that the stone had been buried as a result of agricultural activities. Despite this, it was preserved as a historical witness and was excavated.

In August 2013, the Grobiņa municipal council decided to excavate the stone and move it to a nearby plot of land owned by the municipality, 1.4 km north of its original location.

The stone had been previously drilled, cracked, and possibly even blasted. One side had been removed, leaving only some fragments. Additionally, a 5 cm wide and 1.3 cm deep groove had been carved across the stone, containing 15 drilled holes. The year 1960 was also inscribed on the southeastern side of the stone, which is clearly visible when sunlight falls at an angle.

The relocation (excavation and transportation) of the Odziņu Cup Stone is only the second case of moving a large historical stone in Latvia’s history. The first instance was the relocation of the “Lāčplēša gulta” stone in Lielvārde.