Skulls returned to Finland from Sweden after over a century in transit

A long-awaited moment has arrived as more than 80 skulls, transported from Sweden during the 19th century, reached Finland today, ending their long wait in transit. The skulls arrived by ship in Pälkäne, Pirkanmaa, where they were officially received by the local church, as confirmed by Jari Kemppainen, the parish vicar, who spoke to Yle on Tuesday morning. Following clearance by ministry officials at the port, the skulls were transported to Pälkäne’s new church.

Kemppainen noted that DNA testing will be conducted on the skulls. The skulls are estimated to date between the 17th and 19th centuries.

In the 1870s, Swedish racial researchers excavated these skulls in four Finnish municipalities, subsequently transferring them to the collections of the present-day Karolinska Institute in Sweden. Anthropologist Gustaf Retzius aimed to validate his theory that Finns do not share the same pure racial lineage as other Scandinavians, asserting that cranial measurements varied among different races.

For years, negotiations have been held regarding the skulls’ return to Finland, with Kemppainen playing a significant role in the discussions. He expressed a sense of solemnity and celebration regarding their return, emphasizing the presence of ongoing local discussions about the skulls over the past six years.

The majority of the remains are intended to be reinterred in their regions of origin, with nearly half of the skulls coming from Pälkäne. Additionally, remains have been identified from various locations including Rautalampi, Keitele, Pielavesi, and Eno. A public celebration is also planned locally. The skulls will be studied at the Vapriikki museum, where samples will be taken to determine aspects such as lifespan, familial ties, diseases, and dietary habits.