Someone scrawled initials and a date on a relic in the middle of a swamp in Puolanka - archaeologist: “Tampering is prohibited by law”

The earliest carvings on the site, known as the Dune Stone, date back to the early 19th century. Now they are accompanied by initials and the number 2022.

Voikivi, an ancient relic located in Puolanga's Voikivensu. A 6 x 3 meter flat stone in the middle of a bog. — Voikivi in Puolanka is almost in the middle of a swamp.

In Puolanka Voikivi Swamp is located a fixed antiquity called Voikivi. It is classified as a cult and legendary site. The flat stone measures 6 x 3 metres and has several historical inscriptions and dates carved into its surface dating back to the early 19th century. There is also an obscure number on the stone, which could be 1581.

Now, scribbles such as initials and the date 2022 have appeared among the historic engravings.

A sign next to the dowel stone reads “Monument protected by the Act (295/63) National Board of Antiquities P.O. Box 913 00101 Helsinki”. Väänänen thinks that the vandal is relatively familiar with the area.

– Getting to Voikivi is a bit difficult because it is in the middle of a swamp. There is a path that goes there, but it is largely overgrown and the pine trees are in really bad shape.

Voikivi, an ancient relic located in Puolanga's Voikivensuo, on which initials and the year have been vandalized. Next to the measure. — Initials and the year are carved into the dune stone. Tampering with the monument is prohibited by law.

The relic was only discovered in the 1990s

According to tradition, it is a meeting place at the crossroads where the congregation received taxes in the form of butter. Based on this information, the stone was searched for already in 1972. Local enthusiasts from Väyrylä village located it in 1996.

Ancient remains are signs of Finland’s earlier settlement and history, and are therefore protected by law.

Kainuu Museum is reminded of the antiquities law. The first section of the law states:

– Fortunately, the vandalism has not been aimed directly at the original carvings, but still at the center of the stone. The fear is that this kind of thing will inspire others to vandalism. You can admire and take photos, but any kind of vandalism is prohibited by law, states Väänänen.

Väänänen says that Voikivi is rare already because similar carvings have often been made on trees, or there has only been one.

The Museum Agency says that reports of vandalism against ancient remains are relatively rare. One reason for this may be that they are located in very different places across the country. Although inspection visits are made, it is difficult to control them.