This image is one of two images expressing that ubiquitous entity in mythology, the World Mill. Here it is the Finnish version of the story, found in the Kalevala, with the Sampo dominating the centre as it grinds out corn and salt. Kneeling is steady old Vainamoinen, the Saturn-like Father Time figure who supports the smith god Ilmarinen as he stands on a fir tree to be blown by the winds to where he can forge the Sampo. Notice that as the Sampo turns, the stars move upwards - we are here seeing the creation of the World Mill and watching it function as it was originally intended. See also She Is The World Mill and The Sampo Unhinged.