A recent archaeological study in Sweden has revealed a fascinating discovery that illustrates the reuse of tools in the Mesolithic. It is a richly decorated antler fragment found at the Strandvägen site in the south-central region of the country, which initially formed part of a ceremonial axe and was later transformed into a harpoon before being deliberately deposited in a riverbed.

Excavations at Strandvägen have uncovered an exceptionally rich site filled with bone tools, many of them finely ornamented, indicating the importance of the settlement in the region during the period between 5800 and 5000 BCE. The discovery of the antler fragment falls within this context, where hunter-gatherer-fisher communities established a key center near the Motala Ström River, a vital link between Sweden’s interior and the Baltic Sea.

The fragment in question, measuring 10.7 cm in length, 2.1 cm in width, and 1.1 cm in thickness, was made from a red deer antler. Radiocarbon dating analysis has established its age at around 5500 BCE, placing it firmly within the Late Mesolithic.

Mesolithic antler Sweden
A section of the ornamentation with the grooves/lines of the three different carving tools 40x+. Credit: Lars Larsson

Detailed studies of the fragment have revealed that it originally formed part of an ornamented axe, probably of a ceremonial nature. The initial decoration consisted of diagonal bands with fine incisions, but these were later removed through polishing and replaced with a new design. The new ornamentation, created with several cutting tools, featured longitudinal bands with fine oblique lines arranged in three distinct zones.

One of the most intriguing findings is that the ornamentation appears to have been executed by more than one person. The upper part of the object displays a symmetrical and structured decorative pattern, whereas the middle and lower sections feature a less homogeneous design, suggesting the involvement of multiple individuals with different levels of skill.

After serving its original function, the axe was fragmented and repurposed as part of another tool, likely a harpoon. Signs of wear and modifications on the edges were identified, as well as evidence of exposure to open air before its final deposition in the river. The discovery of similar objects in other parts of Scandinavia suggests that this practice of tool reuse was not uncommon at the time.

Mesolithic antler Sweden
Deposited stone, bone and antler tools, as well as human remains from the stone platform where the decorated fragment was included. Credit: Peter Zetterlund and Fredrik Molin / National Historical Museums

The fragment was found on a submerged stone platform in the river, alongside other highly symbolic objects, such as human skulls, bone tools, and carved stones. This concentration of artifacts indicates a ritual practice of depositing objects, possibly linked to religious ceremonies or ancestral remembrance.

The study of the antler fragment found in Sweden provides a new perspective on the importance of symbolism and tool reuse in prehistory. The deliberate deposition of the fragment in a ritual context indicates that these objects held significance beyond their practical utility.

In this sense, the discovery reinforces the idea that Mesolithic communities in Scandinavia engaged in complex ceremonies in which objects played a central role in shaping collective identities and transmitting cultural meanings.

SOURCES

Larsson, L., and Molin, F. (2025) The biography of a fragment. A late mesolithic antler object from the Strandvägen site, south central Sweden. Oxford Journal of Archaeology, 44: 40–56. doi.org/10.1111/ojoa.12318

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