Lake of Pillars (2013)

From the Introduction:

Among the gentle rolling hills this small valley acts as a natural basin, both for rain and ground water. Only from a distance does it become obvious that the valley with the small circular lake and the equally circular island at its center are part of a much larger crater. The origin of said crater remains unclear though. In the memory of the locals it has always been as it is.

Among the countless hills, covered by moss and grass, this landmark has been used as a meeting point by the local tribes for ages. On the small island surrounded by ice cold waters chiefs have traded and bartered, arranged marriages and lead councils of war.

Related to the latter are the countless stone pillars surrounding the lake's shores. Although the locals would consider them more of a memento to a large exodus necessary due to population growth and food shortages. Every stone carefully stacked upon another supposedly stands for one tribesman or woman who left the steppes behind forever.