Bronze Age Arrows from Norwegian Alpine Snow Patches

The number of archaeological finds recovered from alpine snow patches in central Norway has increased dramatically during the last decade. In this article, eight Bronze Age (1800–500 B.C.) arrows are presented in detail. The arrows are of great interest to our understanding of Bronze Age archery in general. The finds include two arrows with projectiles made from the freshwater mussel Margaritifera margaritifera, as well as two reindeer antler arrows. These finds are further evidence of the fact that artifacts emerging from melting snow patches in central Norway are getting steadily older. Some contextual observations specific to snow patch sites in a reduced state due to extreme melting are also highlighted.