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Site Map: Sites 6-14
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14. Lapp cairn at Salminiemi in Ruokolahti
The Lapp cairn at Salminiemi was discovered in 1983. The cairn was built on the highest point of a glaciated rock that slopes down to the west, and it overlooks a beautiful view of Lake Saimaa. The cairn is approximately 7 metres in diameter and 0.4 metres high. It is located in front of a sauna owned by a fishing association. From this cairn, about 600 metres to the east as the crow flies there is another Lapp cairn, at Kalmasaari in Vuosalmi.
Very few studies have been conducted concerning Lapp cairns. Many of the cairns have contained no artefacts, so it is difficult to ascertain their nature. Some have yielded burnt bone and some objects. On the basis of the findings and archaeological dating, experts have been able to identify some of the cairns as graves from the Bronze Age or Early Iron Age. One Lapp cairn that was excavated at Siilinjärvi was determined to be a sacrificial cairn; beneath it, shallow offering holes had been made in the surface of the rock.
Driving directions: At Syyspohja, turn left on Utula road toward Kyläniemi. Continue 12 km, turn left on Härskiäntie road, drive 2.7 km and turn right to the clubhouse of the Kaukopään Kalamiehet fishing association. The cairn is located in front of the sauna in the area where the association has cottages. Visits by groups need to be scheduled in advance (tel.05-445147). Parking at the fishermen's clubhouse. Walk about 100 m from there to the site.
