Most early medieval Scandinavians were probably literate in runes, and most people probably carved messages on pieces of bone and wood. However, it was difficult to make runestones, and in order to master it one also needed to be a stonemason. During the 11th century, when most runestones were raised, there were a few professional runemasters.
Most early medieval Scandinavians were likely familiar with runes, and most individuals probably inscribed messages on bone and wood fragments. However, creating runestones proved challenging, requiring not only literacy in runes but also expertise as a stonemason. By the 11th century, when most runestones were erected, there existed a small number of professional rune carvers.