Manhole covers in Starby

Starby, Sweden

etienne-van-den-homberghAccording to Heraldry of the World, the two salmon symbolize fishing in the Rönne River, which flows into the Kattegat. A notable feature is the little angel hovering above the fish. For a long time, the town’s name was spelled Engelholm, so a reference to an angel or England seems an obvious explanation for the name. However, the Swedish Wikipedia page for this town takes a different view. “Ängel” is more likely to refer to a bend or corner (of the Rönne) or even a profession.

caryfuk

Sweden

caryfukThe roughly worked stone surface with a fine grain hosts a circular element that is perforated with five holes - one central and four elliptical, symmetrically spaced. This example, dated 1874 and carved into the surrounding square frame, is a fascinating artifact of early urban engineering. The Institute of Lidology would classify it as an early example of functional design with a touch of aesthetic simplicity.