A hiker in southeastern Switzerland noticed a large bamboo contraption at a melting glacier. The item stumped officials and prompted a public call for information.
Sergio Veri was hiking along a mostly melted glacier in Splügen Pass on Nov. 2 when he stumbled on a strange item, officials from the Canton of Graubünden said in a Nov. 4 Facebook post. A photo shows the broken cart-like object sitting among some stones.
Veri reported the find to archaeologists, who dated it to the 20th century but could not fully identify it.
The mystery contraption has two wheels made of bamboo poles and is tied together with cords, officials said. Its function and creator remain unknown.
Officials asked anyone with information to contact the Archaeological Service of Graubünden. Several Facebook users commented on the post suggesting the item was a sled used for carrying supplies, meat from a hunt or smuggled goods. Other users noted bamboo is not a naturally occurring plant in Switzerland, indicating the item may have a complex history.
One Facebook commenter suggested the mystery item was used for mountaineering or exploring. Another questioned if it was part of an early airplane.
Splügen Pass is in the Canton of Graubünden, also known as Canton of the Grisons, and near the Switzerland-Italy border. The mountain pass is about 100 miles southeast from Zurich. Google Translate was used to translate the Facebook post from Kanton Graubünden. Facebook Translate was used to translate the post’s comments.
