This was more difficult to make than it looks. It is a combination of grid, paths, erasing and brushing with the pencil tool. And mostly, just trying to keep my wits together.

I am currently reading a book that contains a trilogy and this is just one of several different designs that designate chapter headings, book headings and section headings in the book. Some are smaller and some are larger and more intricate. I was somewhat fascinated with how they did it and decided to try one of the designs. I think it would make an interesting frame for a picture.

I went to Amazon.com to see if I could find some other pages. They have a browse feature you can see inside of books. Found a couple I could do screenshots of the pages.

My biggest suggestion - Don't use gimp for this type of illustration, as it is much more suited to vector work.

Attached is literally less than 5 minutes of effort in Inkscape. (helped by the celtic knot live path effect...)

-Rob A>

Another good reason for me to get better acquainted with Inkscape.

Those are pretty nice frames in those books.
I like reading about archeology myself.Never became one but was always interested in old things.Must be the treasure hunting adventurist in me.

@RobA - I snatched your image by the way. Hope it's OK.