In this paper the Middle Neolithic coastal society in eastern Sweden is examined. The archaeological remains of the Pitted Ware culture from the island of Öland are focussed upon. The archaeological concept of culture is discussed, as well as different aspects that might be of importance for our understanding of the Pitted Ware culture, such as insularity, cosmology and religion. I argue that by bringing concepts like these into the discussion, the horizon of interpretation becomes wider. As far as the Pitted Ware culture is concerned, it is argued that the coastal landscape, i.e. the archipelago, the islands and the sea, had a major influence on the religious perceptions of this presumed cultural entity. The significance of islands in the world of the Pitted Ware culture is thus examined and a brief outline is given on the use of islands and insularity in archaeology. It is further argued that what we call the Pitted Ware culture might represent a system of religious beliefs, where the sea, the seals, the pottery and the large islands all played roles of varying importance.