High-altitude excavations in the Graubünden region of the Swiss Alps have revealed a series of stone-lined pits containing 'copper-bound' pinecone votives. Dated to the Late Bronze Age, these ritual objects were discovered at the base of a notorious avalanche corridor. The finding points to the existence of an ancient 'Avalanche-Warding' festival, where mountain communities made symbolic offerings to mountain deities to ensure safety during the spring thaw.
The pinecones were meticulously wrapped in thin copper wire and treated with a protective layer of beeswax, which preserved their form for three millennia. Analysis of the surrounding soil revealed high concentrations of animal fat and burnt grains, indicating that the votives were part of a larger communal feast held at the timberline. This discovery highlights the spiritual significance of the alpine landscape and the complex ritual strategies used by early settlers to cope with natural hazards.