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Kierikki Stone Age Centre 2017

01/07/2017-31/07/2017

Rachael Holmes

Trench at the beginning of the excavation after removal of the top spits.

The Stone Age Centre

Introduction

Kierikki Stone Age Centre encompasses an archaeological site, reconstructed Neolithic village and museum. The centre is located in Yli-li and runs parallel to the Iijoki river. Excavation began in 1960 and focused on dwelling depressions that are visible in the modern landscape. The excavations have since revealed that the site is Neolithic in origin and was the location of a mobile hunter gatherer society with a strong focus on a maritime subsistence economy. Archaeological sites in Finland often rely on ceramic typology or the distance of the site to the paleoshoreline for dating because the naturally acidic soil causes taphonomic complications, with this in mind the site has respectively been dated to around 5,000-3,500 ya. The ceramics on site are a sub-category of the wider comb ware group that are visible across Northern Europe, the Baltics and into Asia in areas such as the Korean peninsula. The subdivision of the comb ware type that have been found on site are asbestos ceramic that utilise a different temper and manufacturing process to allow for lighter pottery. Notable finds from past excavations include amber pendants and flint tools that have proven a trade network linking Kierikki and the wider area of Ostrobothnia to the Baltics and Russia as well as small pieces of birch bark tar with tooth marks that has been suggested to have been chewing gum. Kierikki is also actively engaged in experimental archaeology and three Neolithic house reconstructions are currently erect in their Stone Age village. Stone knapping, archery and canoeing are available for tourists to practice as part of their public archaeology strategy.

Field Season

The field season ran from 01/07/2017-31/07/2017 and was split into two parts, working at the excavation and on experimental archaeology projects in the village. Excavation was focused on one quadrant of a dwelling depression close to the visitor centre and a small trench adjacent to this quadrant to specifically investigate a hearth believed to be central within the dwelling. The main trench was 6m by 6m and the smaller 2m by 2m. Finnish excavation methods were used throughout; this involved the meticulous removal of 5 cm spits through a sandy sediment without the allocation of contexts. Photographs and soil maps were drawn between the removal of layers and each find was plotted on to a finds map that will undergo spatial analysis during post excavation. The experimental work started later on during the project due to a lack of

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Taking a level of the base of the sauna.

communication between the supervisors. Once work had begun we removed the old sauna from the village of which had been constructed based on a number of ethnographic examples from the Sami and the indigenous peoples of the Pacific North West Coast. We then designed and built a new sauna to replace the old one and in doing so learnt many transferable skills both in experimental archaeology and carpentry. In addition to the larger project we also undertook several smaller projects such as knapping tools, preparing slate pendants and making a bone drill.

Placement Experience and Advice

My placement in Finland provided me with hands on experimental archaeological experience that I hope to pursue further. Expertly guided by Joni Karjalainen and Antti Palmroos I was able to learn how to use new tools and practice ancient technological techniques. I would highly recommend this placement for anyone interested in this aspect of archaeology as you are able to train as part of a relaxed and knowledgeable team. With regards to the excavation this placement would suit someone who is new to applied archaeology or someone who wishes to learn a different form of excavation than the British method. Practical work is complemented with lectures provided by the senior team members and are highly informative about the Neolithic period in the Northernmost reaches of Europe and how Kierikki fits in with this narrative. The end of the placement coincided with the Stone Age Centres “Ancient Market”, a weekend event enabling the public to take part in a diverse range of craft skills and watch theatrical performances. As part of this event everyone dressed in the centres array of “Neolithic Style” clothing and guided visitors in these activities. The market was a highlight of the trip. In addition to the work involved with the placement, I also learnt a lot during leisure time. The first weekend of arrival a trip had been arranged around Northern Finland of which included many museum and national park visits as well as a short trek to Varikallio, a breath-taking rock art site. During the evening and other free weekends we were free to explore the local area on bikes that we had been provided as well as make use of the hand built canoes and equipment down in the Neolithic Village.

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View of the trench from the dumpy level.

Group photo at Varikallio.

Group photo at Varikallio.

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Carrying an old canoe down to the village for repair.

Above: removing the old sauna. Below: finished sauna.