Lifting stone

Stone lifting, also known as "Harri jasotzea" in Spain, is a traditional sport that has been around for centuries. Farmers and fishermen who were challenged with rocky terrain had to come up with a game to excel in their daily tasks and to clear their land. The rules were simple- to lift a massive stone to stomach, chest, and shoulder height. With time, these essential activities evolved into real sports alongside whaleboat racing, wood chopping and sheep fighting.

Lifting Stone Media

• Harrijasotzailea harri zilindrikoarekin lanean2.jpg

  Lifting a stone at an harri-jasotzaile event in the Basque Country

• Húsafell Stone.png

  186 kg (410 lb) Húsafell Stone

• Djupalonsandur stones in Iceland.JPG

  Lifting stones to assess a fisherman's capability in Djupalonsandur in Iceland. The heavier of a stone that could be lifted the higher the pay of the fisherman. These stones weigh 25, 54, 104, and 154 kg.

• Dinnie Stanes, Potarch Hotel. - geograph.org.uk - 110060.jpg

  Dinnie Stanes, Potarch Hotel. These "stanes" were carried across Potarch Bridge by celebrated Victorian "Highland Heavy" Donald Dinnie. Few can lift these,never mind carry them. They sit at the front door of the Potarch Hotel which caters for salmon fishers on the Dee.

• The Blue Stones of Dailly - geograph.org.uk - 1500376.jpg

  The 'Blue or Charter Stones' of Old Dailly.

• ArteondoLifting.jpg

  Arteondo lifting the Laukizuzena

• Bybon.jpg

  Stone with the inscription 'Bybon, son of Phola, has lifted me over [his] head with one hand'

• Nunakumajinja03s2048.jpg

  Lifting stones at Nunakuma Shrine in Fukuyama.