We also found an arrow with an antler arrowhead during our 2019 fieldwork. The arrowhead is quite similar in shape to iron arrowheads from AD 300 onwards. Perhaps the arrow dates to the centuries preceding this date.

Based on observations in 2013 and 2019, the ice patch retreated 100 m in the front during these six years. So far, we have only been able to survey a small part of this newly exposed foreland. We plan to return to the site with a proper large-scale systematic survey. The eight arrows recovered from the site, with only limited survey, tell us that there is bound to be more arrows here waiting to be discovered.

There was very little snow this winter in the area were the site is located, so conditions for ice melt and archaeological survey may become excellent this autumn. As always, summer temperatures will decide. Fingers crossed – though we are not sure whether this is for a chilly or a warm summer, the classical dilemma of #glacialarchaeology … #climatechange #globalwarming ...

Julian holds one of the other well-preserved arrows found on the site during our 2019 fieldwork. The arrowhead is of a rare type, having a socket instead of the usual tang. It dates to c. AD 600. Most of the arrows are remarkably well-preserved compared to other sites. This may be caused by the ice being “calmer” here #glacialarchaeology #climatechange #globalwarming ...

One of the arrows was still stuck in the ice and we had to melt it out carefully, using lukewarm water. The preservation of this 1500-year-old arrow is just awesome! Arrowhead, sinew, shaft, fletching – it’s all there. This arrow will be a prime target for our on-going arrow research program. Finds of steering feathers are very rare #glacialarchaeology #climatechange #globalwarming ...