|
|
The rock painting at Kolmiköytisienvuori in Ruokolahti and its surroundings are objects of continuing care in South Karelia. Picture, South Karelian Museum / Minna Kähtävä-Marttinen.
|
The objective of managing antiquities is to prevent and slow their destruction or wear, to bring them to people's attention as an important part of the cultural landscape, and to preserve them for later generations.
When we take care of an ancient monument, we take care of the landscape surrounding it at the same time. Management begins with clearing the area. Maintenance follows, to try to preserve the space achieved; sheep may even be brought to the site to graze and keep the area open.
Only rarely does management involve repairing or restoring ancient structures. Once begun, the managed care should not be stopped, because the damage to antiquities from interrupted care may be greater than had the relic been left untouched.
The National Board of Antiquities is responsible for the management of antiquities, but may allow the community or a wilderness preservation association or the land owner to assume responsibility for care of the site.
