Suurtaaltainen

Suurtaaltainen refers to a type of monumental block, specifically a covering stone slab typically used in the roofs of Finnish churches constructed during the Middle Ages. The term is derived from the Finnish language, where "suur" means large, "taali" refers to stone, and the suffix "-ainen" indicates an attribute or characteristic.

Suurtaaltaanen slabs were often installed above the uppermost transept or nave of a church. Characteristically, these slabs featured a projecting moulding and a decorative, incised border. The interior surface of the slab typically displayed intricate geometric patterns, which were often of geometric inspiration, such as floriated ornamentation.

The known examples of suurtaaltanian slabs lie within southwestern Finland, particularly in the regions surrounding the provinces of Varsinais-Suomi and Satakunta. However, few examples of such monuments have survived to the present day, and the state of preservation differs among these vestiges.

Experts associate the suurtaaltainen with the predecessor stage in the evolution of eastern stone architecture. Specifically, these early stone buildings often reflected indigenous taste and utilizication of local materials, which later influenced broader Nordic architectural trends.