Ancient Wooden Spade Found Under Melting Ice In Norway – Archaeologists Urge Hikers To Stay Alert

Jan Bartek -  AncientPages.com -  As the ice melts, archaeologists continue to make fascinating discoveries that shed light on the ancient past. This year, unusually low snow levels in the mountains have led archaeologists to predict that ancient artifacts will surface in Western Norway. They urge people to stay alert for these findings and pay special attention to melting snowdrifts and areas known for hunting and trapping sites.

This wooden spade was discovered after the snow melted at Grovåskardet in Fjord municipality. It dates back to 180-350 CE. (Photo: Dag Ringstad / Møre og Romsdal County Municipality / NTB)

It is 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 discover such an item, what you should do depends on the nature and quantity of your find. Make sure to photograph the discovery site with the artifact—a close-up and an overview photo—and if possible, note the GPS coordinates.

If you cannot safely transport the artifact without damaging it, leave it where it is. Following a warm summer in 2014, many fascinating objects were uncovered, including an ancient wooden spade from 180-350 CE. Additionally, several "scaring sticks" were found; these bundles of wooden sticks tied together at the top with birch bark would move in the wind and make noise similar to modern wind chimes. Ancient hunters used these scaring sticks to frighten reindeer towards them.

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If you find damp artifacts, it is important to prevent them from drying out by storing them in a cool place like a fridge or cellar. Archaeologists Guro Dehli Sanden and Kristoffer Dahle recommend placing items such as antlers or bones in a freezer.

Written by Jan Bartek - AncientPages.com Staff Writer