An Enigmatic Iron Age Wooden Artefact Discovered on the Col Collon (3068 m a. s. l., Evolène, Ct. Valais / CH)

Abstract

For several years, as a consequence of global warming, there has been an increase of discoveries related to glacial archaeology, in particular in the Alpine massif. This article presents a wooden artefact dated to the last two centuries BC, found at an altitude of 3000 m on the Haut Glacier d’Arolla, near the Italian-Swiss border. This object represents a schematic full-length human figure, with no arms, resting on a shaft ending in a blunted point. In stylistic terms, the wooden statues of the Celtic world can serve as a reference, however, as far as function is concerned, this piece finds comparisons in utensils and tools like distaffs, weaver knives or miniature swords. In conjunction with other wooden objects discovered on the Col Collon and other central-western Alpine passage routes, these artefacts all bear witness to the exchanges and goods circulation between Southern and Northern Europe in pre- and protohistorical eras. This object, which was transmitted to scientists 20 years after its dicovery, is emblematic of glacial archaeology in that most finds are being made by non-professionals. Today, in the Alpine region, there is a true urgency to coordinate efforts among archaeological and heritage institutions, and to involve non-archaeologists in the localisation, gathering and preservation of these fragile vestiges.