9. The Field of Scarecrows
Near the town of Suomussalmi in north-east Finland is a sea of scarecrows almost 1,000 strong, standing on a random field on the side of the road. Since 1994 these menacing, motionless figures, known as “The Silent People,” have been displayed to motorists on Highway 5. Twice per year the Suomussalmi Youth Workshop change their clothes and give them a little pampering to ensure they’ll withstand the test of time.
Even to this day, the artist behind the installation, Reijo Kela, refuses to offer an explanation, forcing residents to come up with their own conclusions. Most consider it a tribute to the country’s fallen heroes, but there are plenty of others out there with more sinister, less patriotic conclusions.
Page 2 of 10
Discussion about this post