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.

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Read
the Norwegian version of this article on forskning.no