Ukonkivi ( Fin. Ukonkivi , “Ukko stone”), or Ukonsaari ( Fin. Ukonsaari , “Ukko island”) is a small rocky island on Lake Inari , one of more than 3 thousand islands of this lake. In ancient times it was a sacred place for the Sami , served them for sacrifices [1] . The island is named after the elder Ukko , one of the highest deities in the traditional religion of the Finns, Karelians and Sami . In Inari Sámi, the island is called Äijih .
| Ukonkivi | |
|---|---|
| fin. Ukonkivi , Inari Sami. Äijih | |
| Characteristics | |
| Area | 0.004 km² |
| Highest point | approx. 0.3 m |
| Population | 0 pax (2012) |
| Location | |
| Water area | Inari |
| A country |
|
| Region | Lapland |
| Community | Inari |
It is located about 11 kilometers northeast of the village of Inari . The height of the island is about 30 meters, width and length are 50 and 100 meters. The area of the island is 0.004 km².
On the western side of the island is a sacrificial cave [1] . In 1873, a fragment of a silver necklace was found in this cave by an English archaeologist Arthur John Evans .
In summer, a cruise ship goes to the island from the shore of the lake on which the Sami Museum of the Siid Exhibition Center is located.
Ukonkivi Island (Ukonsaari) is on the list of candidates for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List in Finland . The National Council of Finland on Antiquities has submitted the island’s candidacy for inclusion in the 1990 List in the category “Culture” according to criteria III (as material evidence of an ancient civilization) and VI (as an object associated with events or traditions, with ideas or beliefs) [1] .
Notes
- ↑ 1 2 3 The Holy place of worship of Ukonsaari by the Sami people at Inari (Retrieved April 27, 2012)
Links
- Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ukonkivi