The work is an obelisk carved from Finnish granite and decorated with a bronze lion, Finland’s national emblem. An obelisk is traditionally a four-sided stone pillar that tapers towards the top and is carved from a single block of stone. Obelisks may reach a height of several dozen metres and were erected as early as ancient Egypt.

The following inscription appears on the reverse of the Stone of Independence: “The greatest strength of a small nation is unity. With untainted weapons for a just cause.”

Sculptor Antti Louhisto frequently used characteristically Finnish materials in his works, including granite and wood.