In the majestic landscapes of Innlandet County, Norway, a team of dedicated scientists from Secrets of the Ice, a renowned glacier archaeology program, has embarked on an extraordinary journey. Armed with a passion for uncovering the secrets of the past, these intrepid archaeologists have recently made a remarkable discovery: an arrow that predates the Vikings by approximately 1,500 years. This finding offers a captivating glimpse into a distant era and sheds light on the historical tapestry of ancient Norway.
NORWEGIAN GLACIER MOUNTAINS
Nestled between rocks on the glacial surface, the ancient arrow was delicately unearthed by the meticulous researchers from Secrets of the Ice. Drawing on their expertise and careful examination, they estimated its age based on the distinctive shape of the arrowhead and nock. The arrow’s preservation, though not flawless, still mesmerized the team. As Secrets of the Ice shared on their Facebook page, the arrow had likely been exposed multiple times since being lost in the snow, resulting in the fletching’s disappearance and some imperfections in the sinew and tar. Nevertheless, the overall state of preservation was undeniably awe-inspiring.
This momentous discovery marks another milestone in the ongoing glacial archaeological explorations conducted by Secrets of the Ice. Over the past 15 years, they have uncovered more than 200 arrows emerging from the melting ice in Innlandet County, Norway. Among these, the earliest specimens date back a staggering 6,000 years. However, the recently discovered arrow stands out due to its exceptional preservation. Unlike most arrows found thus far, which have only fragments of the shaft remaining, this one boasts an intact arrowhead, along with traces of sinew and pitch.
Glacial archaeologists meticulously select their exploration sites based on specific criteria. One crucial factor is the presence of non-moving mountain ice, which provides optimal conditions for preserving archaeological finds. In this particular case, the arrow was discovered at a reindeer hunting site, suggesting that it was lost when hunters missed their mark, and the arrows disappeared into the snow. As Dr. Lars Holger Pilø, an archaeologist with Secrets of the Ice, aptly stated, “A missed shot, but an archaeological bull’s eye.”
A BULLS EYE
Glaciers have long acted as natural time capsules, preserving artifacts and relics for thousands of years. However, with the current rapid pace of glacial melting, an abundance of previously hidden treasures is now emerging. Just days after the revelation of the 1,500-year-old arrow, the dedicated explorers from Secrets of the Ice made yet another thrilling discovery—a second arrow estimated to date back to the early Viking age. Although this Viking-era arrow suffered more degradation, with a rusty arrowhead disconnected from its wooden shaft and worn-away sinew, it remains a remarkable find.
In an August 18 Facebook post outlining the findings, Secrets of the Ice emphasized the remarkable preservation of the arrows, despite some signs of wear. They explained that the ice, acting as a prehistoric deep freezer, has kept these objects remarkably well-preserved over time. The preservation of the arrowhead and arrow shaft can be dated by comparing them to well-dated archaeological contexts in the lowlands and bog finds in Denmark. It is a testament to the incredible conservation properties of ice, as these artifacts, paradoxically, do not appear aged and often require only minimal cleaning.
The first arrow discovered resting amidst the scree—loose stones and rocky debris at the base of a cliff—was found near the lower edge of the ice. However, it is believed to have been lost in the snow further up the slope approximately 1,500 years ago, providing a fascinating glimpse into the lives of ancient hunters and the challenges they faced