Kirkhelleren, Archaeological cave site on Sanna Island, Norway
Kirkhelleren is a cave on Sanna Island located about 60 meters above sea level. The entrance opens very wide and dominates the surrounding landscape with its impressive portal.
Excavations between 1937 and 1939 by archaeologist Gutorm Gjessing uncovered 33 medieval human remains positioned with their heads toward the cave entrance. This arrangement suggests intentional burial practices from that era.
The cave houses evidence of ancient ceramic production, despite the absence of local clay sources, indicating advanced manufacturing practices among early Norwegian settlers.
The site is best visited during summer months when conditions are most favorable for access. The Helgeland Museum on nearby Traena holds artifacts from excavations and offers context for understanding what was found here.
Scientific examination of the skeletal remains reveals specific dietary patterns and bone conditions reflecting the lives of fishing communities in Northern Norway. These medical findings provide rare direct evidence of how medieval coastal residents actually lived.
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