Astuvansalmi rock paintings, Prehistoric rock art site at Lake Yövesi, Finland.
Astuvansalmi is a prehistoric rock art site on the shore of Lake Yövesi in Finland. The red ochre paintings on the granite surface include over 70 depictions of moose, human figures, boats, hands, and geometric patterns spread across the rock face.
The site originates from the Stone Age, with archaeological excavations revealing settlement traces from around 3300 to 2800 BCE. This evidence shows that people visited and used this location for considerable periods during prehistoric times.
The paintings depict hunting activities and what may have been spiritual rituals, with moose figures marked by dots that seem to indicate their hearts. These images offer a window into how the people who created them lived and what mattered to their communities.
The site is accessible via a hiking trail of about 3 kilometers from the parking area on Suurlahdentie, with a rest area and boat pier available. The best viewing conditions depend on lighting and season, with autumn and spring generally offering favorable circumstances.
When viewed from the lake, the natural rock formation appears to form the features of a human face, particularly striking during winter months. This accidental visual quality may have influenced ancient peoples in choosing this location for its spiritual significance.
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