This Ornately Adorned Deer Antler Served as a Battle Ax Before Its Transformation into a Fishing Harpoon

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An archaeological discovery from the sixth millennium B.C.E. hints at ritual significance and multifunctional use of a newly uncovered artifact in Sweden.

Sonja Anderson

April 24, 2025 2:45 p.m.

Archaeologists in Sweden made a fascinating discovery eight years ago when they excavated a deer antler intricately etched with patterns at the Strandvägen site, which dates back to the sixth millennium B.C.E.

Recent examinations using digital microscopy have revealed that this antler served multiple functions: it was first likely utilized as a battle ax and later adapted into a fishing harpoon.

A study published in the Oxford Journal of Archaeology notes that the artifact was unearthed on a stone platform alongside various stone and bone implements, as well as human skull fragments. Located near Lake Vättern, the site was home to hunter-gatherer communities between 5800 and 5000 B.C.E., across the river from Kanaljorden, another significant settlement with its own historical curiosities, including ancient human remains displayed on stakes.

Measuring approximately four inches long, the antler belonged to a red deer. Researchers deduce that it was initially crafted for combat purposes, based on patterns of wear indicative of significant use.

“It was probably handled as an ax,” says co-author Lars Larsson, an archaeologist at Lund University. He notes that similar antler axes found in Denmark show signs of heavy damage, suggesting they were used in battles. The transition to a harpoon reflects a practical shift in the tool’s use over time.

According to archaeologist Sara Gummesson of Stockholm University, the practice of repurposing tools contrasts with modern consumer habits where damaged items are often replaced. This adaptability highlights a resourceful approach to tool use in prehistoric times.

The antler’s design was also subject to transformation over its life cycle. Researchers found that it features distinct decorations, which were initially polished away to make room for a fresh pattern created using various cutting tools. The new design consists of finely etched longitudinal bands adorned with oblique lines divided into multiple zones.

Larsson describes this artifact as the “best decorated” object found at Strandvägen, which holds the status of one of Sweden’s largest Mesolithic sites. Previous archaeological digs there have unveiled significant structures, burial sites, and manufacturing areas.

The favorable preservation conditions at Strandvägen stand in stark contrast to many Swedish sites, where acidic soils degrade organic artifacts. Gummesson points out that this unique environment has helped maintain the integrity of the antler and other organic materials.

The assemblage of artifacts found near the antler, including human skull fragments and other symbolic items, suggests that its burial may be linked to ceremonial practices or tributes to ancestors. As noted by La Brújula Verde, the deliberate placement of the antler in a ritualistic context hints at a deeper significance, recognizing that such objects transcended their mere functional roles in daily life.

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