The article examines the old church of Keminmaa (built in 1520–1550 and abandoned in the 1790s) as a case study in documentary archaeology. The cross-reading of archaeological evidence and written sources reveals how statistically analysed data of church account books can reveal long-term patterns of gradual maintenance. In addition the results show how the written sources can enrich and complement the interpretation of dendrochronological analyses and proposes new dating to the 17th century vault paintings of the church. The article discusses also the meaning of the numeroushouse marks and other carvings documented in the wooden roof structures of the church. Finally, the study reflects the remote northern location of the church in the borderlands of the diocese of Turku in Northern Sweden. It discusses the possible cultural influences of the Uppsala diocese stone churches in the nearby parishes on the construction of the Keminmaa old church.

Keywords: Medieval stone churches, Keminmaa old church, roof structures, historical archaeology, house marks, church paintings

Hakusanat: Keskiajan kivikirkot, Keminmaan kirkko, kattorakenteet, historiallinen arkeologia, puumerkit, kirkkomaalaukse