This summer, the mountains of Møre og Romsdal in Western Norway are experiencing unusually low levels of snow, prompting archaeologists to issue a public appeal to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to be vigilant for ancient artifacts emerging from melting snowfields. The Møre og Romsdal County Municipality, alongside archaeologists Guro Dehli Sanden and Kristoffer Dahle, is calling on anyone in the region to report any objects they find, as these items could be of significant archaeological value.

The wooden spade dated to the Roman period (180–350 CE) was found between Eikesdalen and Romsdal. Credit: Dag Ringstad / Møre og Romsdal County Municipality

The conditions this year are reminiscent of the summer of 2014, which was particularly dry and warm, leading to the exposure of numerous ancient artifacts in the region. “This summer is reminiscent of 2014, which was a particularly dry and H๏τ summer. In combination with little snow in the mountains, the size of the snowdrifts in Høgfjelle decreased sharply. This led to the county council receiving reports of very exciting discoveries, which had melted from old snowdrifts,” stated the Møre and Romsdal County Municipality in a recent press release.

During that year, several remarkable discoveries were made, including a wooden spade dated to the Roman period (180–350 CE) found between Eikesdalen and Romsdal. Other findings included items related to hunting and trapping, such as scare sticks, antlers and bones with slaughter marks, wooden rattles, and braided rope. Scare sticks, which are bundles of wooden sticks tied together with birch bark, were used by ancient hunters to frighten wild reindeer and guide them towards hunting areas. These sticks moved in the wind, creating noise similar to that of modern wind chimes.

Given the likelihood of similar conditions leading to further discoveries, archaeologists are urging the public to keep a close eye on melting snowdrifts and areas historically known for hunting and trapping. “Pay special attention to melting snowdrifts and areas known for hunting and trapping sites,” Sanden and Dahle advised in their press release. The archaeologists explained that the cold conditions in snowdrifts and ice patches preserve organic materials exceptionally well, as the freezing temperatures significantly slow down chemical and biological processes.

If hikers come across any objects, they are advised to pH๏τograph the items and their discovery location from various angles, preferably including both close-up and wider sH๏τs. Recording GPS coordinates or marking the location on a map is also highly recommended. These steps are crucial for ensuring that the precise location of the discovery can be revisited by professional archaeologists. Sanden and Dahle added: “If you cannot transport the artifact safely without it breaking, then leave it where it is.”

In cases where hikers find items that can be safely moved, the recommended procedure involves wrapping the artifact securely and placing it in a cool environment. “If you happen to discover such an item, what you should do depends on the nature and quanтιтy of your find,” the archaeologists noted. For objects like bones or antlers, storing them in a freezer is advised to prevent any deterioration, while other damp items should be kept in a refrigerator or cellar to avoid drying out.

The Møre og Romsdal County Municipality is encouraging anyone who discovers potential archaeological finds to contact local authorities promptly. By collaborating with the public, archaeologists hope to preserve and study these ancient artifacts to further understand the history of the region.

This ongoing effort to uncover and protect artifacts highlights the invaluable role of the public in contributing to archaeological discoveries and preserving cultural heritage.

More information: Møre and Romsdal County Municipality