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Site Map: Sites 15-20
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19. Stone-Age habitation of Parikkala / Stone-Age dwelling site at Haljakka
Almost fifty Stone-Age dwelling sites have been found in the area around Parikkala and there are about eighty sites where a Stone-Age object has been found. Parikkala's Stone-Age artefacts are primarily from the Neolithic Period, around 5000-1500 B.C.
During the Stone Age, the population of Parikkala was concentrated on the shores of Lake Simpele. As the lake waters receded, the dwelling sites were left on top of the former bank. Dwelling places are not generally noticed on the surface of the land. Sometimes round or oval depressions, the bases of ancient dwellings, can be discerned at the dwelling site. On-site studies usually reveal pieces of pottery and sharp stone chips created when people were making stone objects. A site may also disclose burnt bone fragments that tell us about the Stone-Age diet: important sources of nutrition included fish, seal, beaver, elk, and wild reindeer.
Parikkala's best known dwelling site, and one that was longest in use in all South Karelia, is located on Kaunissaari Island in Lake Simpele. Virtually all types of Stone-Age and Early Metal Age pottery that appear anywhere in the South Karelia area have been found on Kaunissaari Island. The site may still have functioned as a market place even at the beginning of the Iron Age.
Driving directions: Stone-Age settlement of Parikkala / Haljakka dwelling site. Driving directions: At Särkisalmi, turn from Highway 6 onto the road to Melkonniemi (no. 4052). Continue about 1.6 km. Take the narrow road to the left; there is a sign to "Stone-Age dwelling site. There is a public swimming beach and ample parking.
