<![CDATA[A number of artifacts have been uncovered from Lapland, a region in Northern Finland over the last decade. More recently, a series of surveys conducted by the forestry department officials of Metsahallitus have led to the unearthing of numerous prehistoric habitations, stone spearheads, hunting pits and pottery shards. These findings have generated a lot of excitement as they should allow historians with greater insights into the prehistoric civilizations of Lapland. Lapland is the northernmost and largest region in Finland. It is bordered by North Ostrobrothnia, Finnmark County, Troms County, the Gulf of Bothnia and Norrbotten County. Lapland was split into two different counties between 1634 – 1809. The southern areas of Lapland were considered to be a portion of the Ostrobothnia County and the northern and western areas of Lapland were considered to be a portion of the Vasterbotten County. The northern and western areas were later transferred to the Oulu County in the year 1809 and Lapland was finally separated from Oulu in the year 1938. According to reports, the most amazing and exceptional discovery in all these findings was the stone spear tip, the artifact that is being understood to be a prehistoric knife. It was found quite close to the Norwegian border. The stone implement is believed to have been uncovered by the high winds as it was found lying in a sand pit. Experts believe that the rough blade was used either during the Stone Age or during the early Metal Age, thereby making it at least 2000 years old. According to Sami Vikhanmaa, an archaeologist working with the Metsahallitus project, it is an amazing discovery to be able to find the entire object intact. Sami states that most ancient artifacts are only found in the form of waste or in the form of fragments of the original creation. What makes this stone spear tip so unique is that it has been found in its entirety. These surveys were planned and conducted before the demolition of the border guard post located in Munnikurkkio. This operation was also responsible for unearthing prehistoric dwelling areas on the Ropi fells that were located to the north of the lake. Shards of pottery were also discovered along the Lataseno river bank. All previous pottery finds were made in the dwelling area of Kilpisjarvi. The Metsahallitus surveys have also brought as many as 3000 hunting pits back from the dead. Studies of these hunting pits show that deer hunting was considered to be an extremely important activity in the prehistoric era. Researchers have also discovered two trapping systems on the banks of the river. The prehistoric hunters had dug about 80 pits in order to catch their prey. According to the statement issued by Metsahallitus, it shall continue to map the Kilpisjarvi area of northwestern Lapland. Archaeologists have estimated that going by the present discoveries, a number of important finds are still to be uncovered. If the present discoveries are anything to go by, we are definitely in for an exciting time and should be hearing of more discoveries quite soon. ]]>
Stone Spearheads Unearthed in Northern Lapland
