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The archipelago is famous for ancient sites, labyrinths, ritual
structures, as well as abundance of sacred stones-seidas. About 800 varied rock
compositions occupying 2% of the archipelago area have been found here. Ritual objects
were created by ancient Saami people, who came to the White Sea area some 2-2.5
millenia ago, and sustained themselves by hunting, fishing and small-scale reindeer herding.
Ancient Saami ritual monuments are included in the list of protected areas of national
importance.
A unique ritual complex was found on the top of the Oleshin island.
It includes two labyrinths and 8 rock piles. One of the labyrinths has a construction pattern
not found elsewhere in Northern Europe.
The very settlement of primeval people in the middle of the sea
away from the mainland was made possible by the availability of springs (sources of fresh
water) and forest (source of fuel) on the islands. Furthermore, islands and coastal waters
were a good place for hunting, fishing, berry and mushroom gathering.
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