Researchers at Finland's Astuvansalmi rock art site are uncovering previously hidden prehistoric paintings using cutting-edge hyperspectral imaging and artificial intelligence. The discovery promises to expand our understanding of the largest rock art collection in the Nordic region, where approximately 80 paintings have been documented since the site's official discovery in 1968. These ancient images, created with red ochre pigments around 5,000 years ago, depict elks, humans, and boats painted by Stone Age hunter-gatherers on the shores of what is now Lake Yövesi in Ristiina, Southern Savonia.
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Astuvansalmi rocks being scanned by Veikko Miettinen, Dmitri Semenov and Rami Saarikorpi. (University of Eastern Finland)
Revolutionary Technology Reveals Hidden Images
The University of Eastern Finland's School of Computing is leading an ambitious project to document and analyze the Astuvansalmi cliff using technologies that didn't exist just a few years ago. Project Coordinator Veikko Miettinen reported identifying three potential new figures within hours of beginning fieldwork at the site, according to the University of Eastern Finland release. The team employs hyperspectral cameras capable of distinguishing subtle variations in red pigments and determining their age and chemical composition. These advanced scanners record hundreds of wavelengths, providing researchers with unprecedented detail about both the pigments and the rock surface itself.
The rock face displays multiple shades of red visible even to the naked eye, traces of different paint mixtures used by ancient artists. By analyzing hyperspectral images, researchers can separate these hues and determine how many different pigment combinations were applied over millennia. This represents a significant advancement in archaeological imaging, allowing scientists to see beneath layers of time, moss, and weathered stone that have obscured paintings for thousands of years.
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Astuvansalmi ochre hand painting. (University of Eastern Finland)
Creating a Digital Twin for Future Generations
The Astuvansalmi cliff is being comprehensively documented using several complementary technologies to create what researchers call a "digital twin" of the rock surface. The documentation process begins with GigaPan panoramic imaging, followed by scanning with a Matterport 3D scanner and a custom-built triple-camera system. All visual data uploads to cloud servers directly from the site, forming a high-resolution model that allows researchers to examine every millimeter of the paintings in detail.
Rami Saarikorpi, a 3D specialist from 360Finland, explained that the team uses 3D Gaussian splatting rendering technology to build an accurate three-dimensional model and pinpoint exact locations of pigment traces. This digital preservation approach addresses a critical concern: exposure to wind, frost, and water erosion continues to endanger these irreplaceable paintings, according to Arkeonews. The weathered images might not survive another thousand years, making comprehensive digital records essential for ensuring accessibility to everyone, not just those who can physically visit the remote site.
Prehistoric elk paintings at Astuvansalmi rock art site, Finland. (Ohto Kokko/CC BY-SA 3.0)
Artificial Intelligence Meets Ancient Art
Artificial intelligence is joining the investigation through neural network analysis of recurring shapes within the rock imagery. Research Director Dmitri Semenov from the School of Computing explained that machine learning allows researchers to detect patterns and perhaps even identify an individual artist's distinctive style. The team aims to compare motifs from Astuvansalmi with those in distant locations such as Alta in Norway or Murmansk in Russia, potentially revealing cultural connections across vast distances.
However, Professor of History Kimmo Katajala urged caution when applying AI algorithms trained on data from one cultural context to interpret images from another. Rock paintings and carvings reflect distinct cultural traditions and time periods, and algorithms might misinterpret images if trained on data from different cultures. The key, researchers agree, is using AI as a tool while maintaining critical human oversight and cultural context.
The research team is also employing game engine technology to recreate the prehistoric landscapes where ancient artists once stood. During the time the paintings were created, water levels in the Saimaa lake system were significantly higher than today. By digitally raising the water surface to its ancient level, researchers can visualize where prehistoric artists might have stood and predict where additional paintings could be found.
For thousands of years, humans have left their marks on stone - from the elk and swan motifs of Finnish hunter-gatherers to carved figures on distant shores. Through the fusion of archaeology, computer science, and artificial intelligence, those ancient voices are being heard again. The story of Astuvansalmi is far from over. Beneath the lichen and timeworn rock, more images may still wait to be revealed, their rediscovery bridging the deep past and the digital age.
Top image: Imaging technology being used at Astuvansalmi rock art site to reveal new paintings. Source: University of Eastern Finland
By Gary Manners
References
Arkeonews. 2025. Hidden for 5,000 Years: New Rock Paintings Discovered in Finland's Astuvansalmi Cliff. Available at: https://arkeonews.net/hidden-for-5000-years-new-rock-paintings-discovered-in-finlands-astuvansalmi-cliff/
University of Eastern Finland. 2025. The story of Astuvansalmi rock paintings continues – imaging technology may reveal new paintings. Available at: https://www.uef.fi/en/article/the-story-of-astuvansalmi-rock-paintings-continues-imaging-technology-may-reveal-new-paintings
