Acoustic measurements and digital image processing suggest a link between sound rituals and sacred sites in northern Finland

• Published in: Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory
• Main Authors: Rainio, Riitta, Lahelma, Antti, Äikäs, Tiina, Lassfolk, Kai, Okkonen, Jari
• Other Authors: Department of Philosophy, History and Art Studies, Archaeology, Musicology
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SPRINGER NEW YORK LLC 2021
• Subjects: 615 History and Archaeology; Rock art; Archaeoacoustics; Rituals; Northern Europe; 6131 Theatre; dance; music; other performing arts; Sound archaeology; Ölkky; Northern Finland
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10138/328408

In northern Finland, near the canyon lakes of Julma-Ölkky, Somerjärvi and Rotkojärvi, steep rock cliffs produce distinctive acoustic spaces. On these cliffs, prehistoric rock paintings (5200 to 1000 BC) as well as an ancient Sámi offering site (circa 1100 to present) can be found. Ethnographic sourc...