Igetövek

Igetövek is a term that appears in a limited set of Hungarian-language ethnographic and literary sources, and there is no widely standardized definition. The etymology of the word is unclear, and the form resembles Hungarian roots related to stones, but no consensus exists on its original sense or precise usage.

In one line of interpretation, igetövek denotes small stone cairns or marker piles that communities build for ceremonial or practical purposes in rural landscapes. In another interpretation, the term is used to describe geological formations—vertical or stacked blocks of mineral material formed by natural processes such as weathering, dissolution, or karstification, sometimes visible as columnar features in cliffs or caves. A third usage emerges in literary or folklore contexts, where igetövek may function as symbolic markers or motifs within narratives.

Geographically, attested usages seem confined to regional sources in Central Europe, and there is no single discipline that universally adopts the term. Because of its regional and niche nature, igetövek is best treated as a localized or ambiguous concept rather than a standardized category. Further research and regional references are needed to establish a more precise and widely accepted definition.

See also

- cairn

- megalith

- columnar jointing

- karst geology

- totemic markers

Notes

- Given its limited attestation, readers are advised to consult regional dictionaries and ethnographic reports for any specific definitions or usages in their sources.