Akamella, Ancient cemetery and monument in Pajala civil parish, Sweden
Akamella is an ancient burial ground on a small sandy island near the Muonio River, surrounded by a red wooden fence. The site preserves a memorial stone from 1932 and houses an iron cross now kept at the Norrbotten Museum.
The burial ground was established in 1663 to spare local residents from traveling long distances to bury their deceased. It operated until 1817, when the community relocated burials to larger cemeteries.
The memorial stone carries inscriptions in both Swedish and Finnish, reflecting the shared cultural ties that define this border region. Visitors can see the mark both language communities left on this place.
Access to the cemetery requires local guidance since the site sits on an island in a remote area. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain.
Archaeological records show that timber structures once stood here where bodies were stored during winter months until the spring thaw. This practice was necessary because the frozen ground made burials impossible.
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