Further Notes on Ancient Wooden Traps – the so-called Otter and Beaver Traps

Abstract

At the present time the recorded number of these traps amounts to forty-one, and their geographical distribution embraces Carniola, Lombardy, Germany (several localities), Denmark, Wales, and Ireland (three localities). They have been ascribed a variety of functions including musical instruments and models of boats. A stone monument at Clonmacnois, Ireland, shows a stag, apparently trapped in some kind of wooden structure which could be one of the so-called otter or beaver traps.