Oksapoika patsas, Kuopio Travel Guide

The Oksapoika statue is a prominent piece of public art in Kuopio, Finland. Created by sculptor Pekka Kauhanen, the bronze statue was commissioned by the city of Kuopio and installed in 2014 on Kauppakatu, a central pedestrian street.The statue's name, Oksapoika, translates to "Branch Boy" or "Twig Boy," reflecting its symbolic connection to the forests that are vital to the Savo region. According to the artist, Oksapoika embodies the essence of the Savo people and the joy of discovery. The statue is designed to represent the region's reliance on forests, wood, and the wood processing industry, linking the area's past, present, and future. It is also playfully considered the offspring of Veljmies (Brother Man) and Siskotyttö (Sister Girl), other statues in the city.Located in the heart of Kuopio, the Oksapoika statue provides a glimpse into Finnish folklore and the cultural identity of the region.