A recent archaeological discovery has unveiled a fascinating haul of Stone Age artifacts, including a remarkably ornamental deer antler that was skillfully transformed into an ax handle. This rare find offers a unique glimpse into the multifaceted uses of such a seemingly mundane object in prehistoric society.

Experts describe this discovery as extraordinarily rare, emphasizing that the antler likely served multiple purposes throughout its existence. After its initial use as an ax handle and later as a harpoon, it was ultimately sacrificed in a ritual context, shedding light on the spiritual or cultural significance it may have held.

The antler, dating back to approximately 5500 B.C., was discovered within a Stone Age settlement located at Strandvagen in Motala, a known hub for hunter-fisher-gatherer communities between 5800 and 5000 B.C. Archaeologists unearthed this intriguing artifact amid a vast collection of over 1,400 tools and items, many of which were found on a rock platform adjacent to the settlement's shoreline, leading towards the Baltic Sea.

The findings are elaborated in a new study published in the Oxford Journal of Archaeology. Lead author Lars Larsson, an archaeology professor at Lund University in Sweden, along with Fredrik Molin from Swedens National Historical Museum, highlighted the antler as the most captivating artifact within the extensive inventory of Stone Age tools. Larsson explained that the antler was not only richly decorated but also important in understanding the cultural practices of the time.

The study reveals that the original craftsman meticulously ground down the antler and smoothed its surface before carving shallow ornamentations. Over time, these shallow designs were removed and replaced with deeper, more intricate motifs filled with diagonal lines. Larsson noted that these triangular shapes and patterns, which bear a resemblance to pointed tips on rods similar to those of spears, present a striking departure from other motifs found in the same period. They catch the eye as they are clearly different from other motifs, Larsson remarked, highlighting the decorative skill of the prehistoric artisans.

Interestingly, Larsson pointed out that the original ornamental design was deliberately ground away to make space for the new pattern, suggesting a communal effort in its creation. The later decorations featured narrow diagonal bands with hatching that is characteristic of the Mesolithic era's artistic style. The precision and techniques involved in these later decorations suggest that multiple individuals may have contributed to its embellishment, Larsson explained.

The setting of this discoverythe Stone Age settlement of Strandvagenwas a vital area during its time, serving as a central location for various hunter-fisher-gatherer groups. The antler was unearthed alongside human skeletal remains and other richly adorned objects, including 20 pieces of human skulls, engraved animal bones, and stone ax blades, positioning the artifact within a broader context of prehistoric cultural practices.

While the use of red deer antlers was uncommon in Sweden, Larsson noted that when they were used, they typically served as ax handles. Although the exact practical functionality of this particular antler remains uncertain, it is believed to have held significant symbolic or ritualistic importance. The signs of damage observed on the antler align with those typically found on battle axes, indicating that it was likely utilized in combat.

After its life as an ax handle, the antler did not simply vanish; it underwent a transformation as it was repurposed into a harpoon. Sadly, this too eventually succumbed to fragmentation. Eventually, when the antler could no longer serve a functional purpose, it was ceremonially sacrificed in a ritualistic area, where it was preserved in a combination of water and rocky soil. This preservation has offered archaeologists invaluable insights into the lives of people during the Swedish Stone Age, some 7,500 years later.