Tale of the Scale and the Skull: Berlin's Mosaic History

On the outdoor terrace of the PETRI Archaeology Center in Berlin, a unique public artwork invites visitors to literally walk across history. 'The Tale of the Scale and the Skull' is a permanent floor mosaic by Berlin-based artist Alona Rodeh. Commissioned as a 'Kunst am Bau' (Percent-for-Art) project, the piece was the winning proposal in a 2021 competition and became accessible to the public with the opening of the PETRI center in 2024.

A Narrative in Stone

The 600x600cm natural stone mosaic draws its inspiration from two significant local historical findings from the Petriplatz area, considered Berlin's birthplace. The first is the discovery of the 'first Berliners'—the earliest human skeletons found in the area, dating to the 12th century. The second is the memory of the colossal 'Berolina' statue, a 19th-century female figure personifying Berlin that has since been lost.

Rodeh weaves these elements into what she describes as an 'imaginary excavation scene.' A skeleton figure lies at the center, surrounded by depictions of archaeological tools like pickaxes and measuring scales, other bones, and an image of the 'Berolina' statue. The artwork blurs the line between artifact and fiction, paying tribute to the practice of archaeology and Berlin's layered past.

Design and Context

Crafted from black-and-white natural stone tesserae, the mosaic has a timeless quality. The stark contrast has led some to note its resemblance to a QR code or comic-like imagery. The arrangement of the depicted tools suggests a 'dream-like, centripetal movement,' adding a dynamic feel to the static stone piece.

Located on Berlin's Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the artwork is seamlessly integrated into its surroundings. It functions as a walkable outdoor extension of the PETRI Archaeology Center, transforming a historical narrative into a tangible, physical experience. Visitors can interact with the piece by walking on its surface, engaging directly with a modern artistic interpretation of the city's ancient history.

The Artist and the Artwork

'The Tale of the Scale and the Skull' was created by Israeli-born artist Alona Rodeh. While this piece delves into archaeological themes, Rodeh's broader artistic practice is diverse, often exploring the aesthetics of safety, urban environments, and nightlife culture through large-scale installations with light and sound. This project, which won an art competition in October 2021, stands as a testament to her ability to engage deeply with a site's specific history and context.