Index Archaeology Maintenance The Archaeological Heritage Archaeological Sites

Archaeological Sites and Stray Finds

Structures in the ground that derive from human activity are called ancient monuments or archaeological sites. They include graves, occupation sites, pitfalls, and rock paintings, among others. Archaeological sites are often comprised of several individual structures. Occupation sites may include signs of a number of huts, fireplaces, post holes, and accompanying implements, roughouts, and so on. An archaeological site may also consist of various structures that derive from different time periods, such as dwellings of different ages, cemeteries, clearance cairns, field terraces, and boat docks.

Ancient tools, as well as roughouts, fragments, and manufacturing waste that are not a part of any archaeological site are called stray finds. Such finds  have been lost or abandoned in prehistoric times, or may be parts of merchants’ hoards, or valuables hidden from the enemy or thieves. Offerings of individual artifacts made in the past are also stray finds. They provide information, for example, about the areas people have travelled through on their trading or hunting trips.

Elk’s-head weapon (below) was found at Palojoki in Huittinen (left).
Photograph by Leena Koivisto.