The aim of the unusual sports pictograms was to underline the connection of the Winter Games with nature and Norway’s historical roots. The inspiration came from Norwegian rock paintings that are several thousand years old, such as the oldest depiction of a skier known to mankind: a rock painting discovered on the island of Rødøy in the municipality of Alstahaug in northern Norway (see right). Its age is estimated at 4,000 years. Pictograms were drawn and produced as white figures on a magenta-coloured square background for every winter sport and every sport competition of the Games. In order to promote the event in general, the figure was also used completely or partially freestanding. In addition, a special pattern has been designed that shows all sports pictograms; this could also be used to cover large surfaces.