Ein jungsteinzeitlicher Schneereif vom Gurgler Eisjoch (3134 m) im Pfossental/Schnals (Südtirol)

Abstract

Surveying work at the Austrian Italian border in the Schnalstal brought to light an unusual find, some years ago now: a late Neolithic snowshoe was discovered at the South Tyrolean side of the Gurgler Eisjoch dating to a period of 3800-3700 BC. It was formed of a 1.5 m long branch of a birch tree by bending it to a circular shape and fixing its two ends. The inner hoop was strung with split birch tree branches crossing each other. An archaeological investigation at the Gurgler Eisjoch produced more finds among them remains of a late medieval sledge. Until 50 years ago, flocks of sheep were driven every year from the Pfossental via the Gurgler Eisjoch to their summer pastures of the further Gurglertal.