Salmon Weir in Taivalkoski
In the late 1800s, salmon fishing was an important part of life along the Kemijoki River. This photo shows a traditional wooden weir (lohikatos) in Taivalkoski, where men stand on a timber platform over rushing water, pulling in their catch. These weirs, designed to trap salmon as they made their way upstream, were a common method of fishing in Finland’s larger rivers.
In the centre of the image, one man holds a salmon aloft, while others tend to the weir’s trap and watch the water. The force of the river is clearly visible, a reminder of the strength and danger involved in this kind of fishing. Weirs like this required skill to build and maintain and were vital seasonal structures in many riverside communities.
Original Photograph
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Digitally Restored Photograph
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Photo Information
Original photo courtesy of the Finnish Heritage Agency
Photographer: I.K. Inha
Year: 1890-1899
Link to original photo here
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