Echoes of the past: Finnish rock art mimics moose calls
A surprising discovery by scientists: Finnish researchers have found that rock paintings depicting moose can generate an echo resembling the sounds of these animals.
7:54 AM EST, December 2, 2024
Finnish scientists from the University of Helsinki have discovered that prehistoric rock paintings in Finland not only depict moose but can also generate an echo resembling their sounds. Their research was published in the journal Sound Studies.
The paintings are between 3,500 and 7,000 years old and are located on cliffs near a lake in southeastern Finland. The smooth surfaces of the rocks create a distinct echo that seems to originate from behind the rocky walls. In contrast, the neighboring, more jagged cliffs generate weaker sound reflections.
Scientists, including Perttu Kesaeniemi and Mikko Ojanen, conducted acoustic measurements using a specially designed raft and, in winter, by walking on the ice. The results showed that prehistoric hunter-gatherers, approaching the paintings by water, entered an acoustic environment that amplified the sounds.
Digital sound modeling
At the University of Helsinki's Music Research Laboratory, scientists recorded contemporary vocal and instrumental improvisations and digitally integrated the acoustics from above the lake. These improvisations imitate traditional Saami folk tunes, allowing for digital modeling of the acoustic landscape.
Archaeologist Riitta Rainio from the University of Helsinki, as quoted by the Polish Press Agency, emphasizes, “The echoes are so strong that there is no reason to assume that people in the past did not hear them.” This allowed people to hear the painted moose emit roars, responding to their sounds.
This research shows that prehistoric artists were able to work not only with images but also with sound, creating a unique visual-audio environment. This discovery sheds new light on understanding the culture of hunter-gatherers and their interaction with the environment.
Ancient Saami people
The Saami are the oldest people of Scandinavia, around whom many legends have grown. The first mentions of them appeared as early as 98 A.D. The Saami inhabited areas of Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Russia. They possess not only their language, nine languages, but also a rich culture, including architecture, music, and art.
What distinguished them was their connection to nature. Once nomads, the Saami transitioned to a sedentary lifestyle but still strived to preserve their traditions.
