Scientific publications

The paper briefly characterizes previous studies of other researchers, provides explanations for notions such as “Obonezhje” and “cultural landscape” in ancient time, substantiates the author's own definition of the ancient “ritual stone complexes” concept. The focus in the investigation of the phenomenon is on those ancient complexes of the subregion that raise disputable questions. We also provide new information previously unknown to the scientific community concerning Obonezhje ritual stone complexes. Former definitions of the “cult stones” concept are criticized, and the author's own definition is suggested; more specific, little known or previously unknown information on the phenomenon is reported; the author's viewpoint on the most disputable problems concerning Obonezhje cult stones is expressed. The principal message is that the technique used by modern science in Karelia, which helped exclude stone structures of Mt. Vottovaara from the “ritual” category, and avoid attributing stone artifacts similar to those on the White Sea coast to the Sami, is hardly ever effective in Obonezhje.