{{Short description|Archaeological site in Yli-Ii, Oulu, Finland}} {{Refimprove|date=January 2017}} [[File:Kierikki Stone Age Centre Oulu Finland 02.jpg|thumb|left|Reconstructions of Stone Age dwellings in Kierikki Centre, Oulu]] thumb|220px|right|View from the inside '''Kierikki''' is an area located in Yli-Ii by the Ii River in Finland. It is about ten kilometres southeast and towards Pudasjärvi from Yli-Ii's centre. Kierikki is also a surname in Finland which has come to be used after the Ii River’s rapid named Kierikki.
Kierikki is one of Finland's most important archaeological exploration locations. Excavations began around 1960 and are still ongoing. Research has significantly changed the view of northern Finland in Stone Age. Archaeologists used to think that people in Stone Age were nomads, people who change their residence along with the seasons. In fact, people lived in large villages the whole year. This was possible because of the massive fish and seal catches people got at the time. Fish and seal surpluses were also used in trade. Arrow heads made of flint were traded from Russia and amber ornaments from Baltic states.
[[File:Dugout boats Kierikki Centre Oulu 20130526.JPG|thumb|Dugout boats in Kierikki Centre, Oulu|alt=]]
Stone Age chewing gum made of birch bark was found in Kierikki’s excavations in the summer of 2007. The finding was reported by the BBC.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6954562.stm Student dig unearths ancient gum] BBC 2007</ref>
Kierikki is also a subdivision of late typical comb ceramics. Kierikki ceramics were used in 3500–3100 BC and it preceded another asbestos-ceramic type called pöljä.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.helsinki.fi/hum/arla/keram/kierikki.html |title=Kierikin keramiikka |access-date=2016-11-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830212117/http://www.helsinki.fi/hum/arla/keram/kierikki.html |archive-date=2017-08-30 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Finnish Comb Ceramic culture is called Neolithic because it is comparable to Neolithic cultures elsewhere. Besides ceramics, Finnish Comb Ceramic culture also includes polished weapons made of stone, which are a part of Neolithic cultures. One difference was the lack of agriculture in Finland in the Stone Age.
Kierikki includes Kierikki Stone Age Centre, which is a popular destination with its archaeological exhibitions and Stone Age villages. There is also a hotel in the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ouka.fi/en/oulu/luuppi-english/kierikki-stone-age-centre|title=Kierikki Stone Age Centre|date=October 23, 2017|website=Oulun kaupunki - www.ouka.fi|access-date=December 13, 2019|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023215333/https://www.ouka.fi/oulu/luuppi-english/kierikki-stone-age-centre|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kaleva.fi/uutiset/oulu/kivikautinen-kyla-rapistui-rahan-puutteessa/299882/|title=Kivikautinen kylä rapistui rahan puutteessa|website=Kaleva.fi}}</ref>
Every summer public excavations are arranged, where members of public can participate in work in Kierikki. In 2012, an eleven-year-old, Hedvig Hautala, found amber during one of these excavations.<ref>[http://yle.fi/uutiset/3-6221386 Harvinainen meripihkalöytö Kierikissä] Yle {{in lang|fi}}</ref>
== References == {{reflist}}
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Category:Populated places established in the 4th millennium BC Category:Neolithic settlements Category:Archaeological sites in Finland Category:Former populated places in Finland Category:History of North Ostrobothnia