Ancient artefacts resurface as mountain snow melts. Archaeologists urge hikers to stay alert
Due to unusually low snow levels in the mountains this year, archaeologists predict that ancient artefacts will surface in the mountains of Western Norway. They are urging people to stay alert for these findings.
A decade ago, a particularly dry and warm summer in the mountains of Møre og Romsdal county in Western Norway led to a significant increase in reports of ancient artifacts melting out from the snow.
This summer has brought similar conditions, prompting archaeologists to ask hikers to keep their eyes open.
‘Pay special attention to melting snowdrifts and areas known for hunting and trapping sites,’ archaeologists Guro Dehli Sanden and Kristoffer Dahle advise in a press release (link in Norwegian).
What if you find a Viking sword?
It’s not uncommon for both archaeologists and hikers to stumble upon items ranging from arrowheads and other hunting tools to intact swords from the Viking Age.
If you happen to discover such an item, what you should do depends on the nature and quantity of your find, according to the archaeologists.
Make sure to photograph the discovery site with the artefact – both a close-up and an overview photo. If possible, note the GPS coordinates.
‘If you can’t safely transport the artefact without damaging it, leave it where it is,’ the two archaeologists advise.
Many exciting finds
Following the warm summer of 2014, many fascinating objects were uncovered, according to the archaeologists.
One such discovery was an ancient wooden spade, dated back to 180-350 CE.
Additionally, several ‘scaring sticks’ were found, which are bundles of wooden sticks tied together at the top with birch bark. These sticks would move in the wind and make noise, similar to modern wind chimes. Ancient hunters used these scaring sticks to frighten reindeer and guide them towards the hunters.
If you find artefacts that are damp, it’s important to prevent them from drying out. Store them in a cool place, like a fridge or cellar.
If the items are antlers or bones, the archaeologists advise putting them in the freezer.
———
Read the Norwegian version of this article on forskning.no
