Latest news with #metalDetectorist
The Independent
20-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Viking-age jar found by metal detectorist to go on display for first time
A Viking-age rock crystal jar previously owned by a bishop which was part of a hoard found by a metal detectorist is to go on public display for the first time later this year. The jar is part of the Galloway Hoard, a collection of objects from Ireland, the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, and as far away as Asia. It was buried near Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway around 900AD, where it remained until it was discovered by a metal detectorist in 2014. The jar is due to go on display at Kirkcudbright Galleries on November 8, near where it was discovered. The 5cm high jar resembles an ornate perfume bottle and is decorated in gold filigree. It is thought to have had an ecclesiastical function within the Catholic Church, as the gold inscription written on the jar says 'Bishop Hyguald had me made'. Due to gaps in church records in the 9th century, finding out who Bishop Hyguald was has proved difficult for researchers, but they have concluded he was most likely a Northumbrian bishop. Dumfries and Galloway was previously part of the medieval kingdom of Northumbria. A further translation of an Old English runic inscription from the arm ring in the Galloway Hoard has been proposed, describing a portion of the hoard as 'the community's wealth'. The jar, found wrapped in linen, was carefully unwrapped over a number of months in order not to damage the item, meaning it is only now available for display. Martin Goldberg from National Museums Scotland said: 'The rock crystal jar is one of the highlight objects from the Galloway Hoard. 'From the beautiful rock crystal itself, originally carved in the form of a classical Corinthian column two thousand years ago, to the incredibly intricate gold decoration added hundreds of years later and including a clear inscription identifying its owner, this one object exemplifies the complex, connected and historic nature of the Galloway Hoard. 'The jar was the subject of international attention when we first revealed the inscription, and it's great to be able to put it on display it for the first time in Kirkcudbright.' Maureen Johnstone, chairwoman of Dumfries and Galloway Council's education, skills and community wellbeing committee, added: 'We are excited to see this important and unique object in Kirkcudbright. 'Dumfries and Galloway Council is very proud of the ongoing partnership with National Museums Scotland which has already produced two superb exhibitions at Kirkcudbright Galleries. 'I have no doubt the rock crystal jar will be a fascinating exhibit, I am looking forward to it.' The Viking Age hoard was acquired by National Museums Scotland in 2017 with the support of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, and the Scottish Government, as well as a major public fundraising campaign.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Metal detectorist on Isle of Man ‘couldn't believe it' after discovering 1,000-year-old Viking gold treasure
A metal detectorist has uncovered a 1,000-year-old Viking gold braided arm ring on the Isle of Man, offering clues to skilled jewellery making from a millennium ago. The find, dating to 1000AD to 1100AD, adds to our understanding of the Isle of Man's rich Viking legacy, according to Manx National Heritage, a charitable trust dedicated to preserving the island's cultural history. The arm ring consists of eight strands of gold rods plaited together. It was found by an amateur metal detectorist named Ronald Clucas. 'It was quite a big shock to discover this lovely piece of gold. I couldn't really believe it at first!' Mr Clucas said. 'Gold generally gives a very low signal on the detector, so you can't really predict what's going to be uncovered.' Researchers suspect the arm band, weighing nearly 28grams, was made by a skilled goldsmith using a specialised technique. It was found folded in half, measuring about 4cm, meaning it would originally have been about 8cm long. 'I've been detecting for many years now and found some wonderful things, but to find a piece of gold from the Viking Age, that's really something else,' Mr Clucas said. The Isle of Man was a Viking trading hub and later, after the 9th century, a settlement. Previous research has shown the island had a dual economy where both coins and silver or gold bullion were used to pay for goods and services. Although Viking gold is much rarer than silver finds on the island, experts suspect the recently discovered gold braided arm band may have also been used as currency in financial transactions. 'Jewellery items such as this had several functions in the Viking Age both as prized personal possessions and visible displays of wealth. They were easily portable and were also used to cover costs in financial transactions,' said Allison Fox, curator for archaeology at Manx National Heritage. 'This arm ring has been cut twice, indicating it has possibly been used for at least two separate transactions. One cut removed the terminal end of the arm ring, the other one cut the original complete arm ring almost in half.' It is unclear why the fragment of the arm ring was buried in the ground. 'It may have been hidden for safekeeping, could just have been lost or may even have been buried as an offering to the Viking gods,' Ms Fox said. The Viking treasure has been on display in the Viking Gallery at the Manx Museum in Douglas since 31 May.
The Independent
04-06-2025
- The Independent
Metal detectorist on Isle of Man ‘couldn't believe it' after discovering 1,000-year-old Viking gold treasure
A metal detectorist has uncovered a 1,000-year-old Viking gold braided arm ring on the Isle of Man, offering clues to skilled jewellery making from a millennium ago. The find, dating to 1000AD to 1100AD, adds to our understanding of the Isle of Man 's rich Viking legacy, according to Manx National Heritage, a charitable trust dedicated to preserving the island's cultural history. The arm ring consists of eight strands of gold rods plaited together. It was found by an amateur metal detectorist named Ronald Clucas. 'It was quite a big shock to discover this lovely piece of gold. I couldn't really believe it at first!' Mr Clucas said. 'Gold generally gives a very low signal on the detector, so you can't really predict what's going to be uncovered.' Researchers suspect the arm band, weighing nearly 28grams, was made by a skilled goldsmith using a specialised technique. It was found folded in half, measuring about 4cm, meaning it would originally have been about 8cm long. 'I've been detecting for many years now and found some wonderful things, but to find a piece of gold from the Viking Age, that's really something else,' Mr Clucas said. The Isle of Man was a Viking trading hub and later, after the 9th century, a settlement. Previous research has shown the island had a dual economy where both coins and silver or gold bullion were used to pay for goods and services. Although Viking gold is much rarer than silver finds on the island, experts suspect the recently discovered gold braided arm band may have also been used as currency in financial transactions. 'Jewellery items such as this had several functions in the Viking Age both as prized personal possessions and visible displays of wealth. They were easily portable and were also used to cover costs in financial transactions,' said Allison Fox, curator for archaeology at Manx National Heritage. 'This arm ring has been cut twice, indicating it has possibly been used for at least two separate transactions. One cut removed the terminal end of the arm ring, the other one cut the original complete arm ring almost in half.' It is unclear why the fragment of the arm ring was buried in the ground. 'It may have been hidden for safekeeping, could just have been lost or may even have been buried as an offering to the Viking gods,' Ms Fox said. The Viking treasure has been on display in the Viking Gallery at the Manx Museum in Douglas since 31 May.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
1,500-year-old pendant discovered in secret Norfolk location
A piece of early medieval jewellery that laid buried for almost 1,500 years has been declared an official treasure. Discovered by a metal detectorist, the 7th-century oval pendant consisting of gold and a cabochon garnet was found in north Norfolk during October last year. A treasure inquest held at Norfolk Coroner's Court heard that the piece is 'relatively small but beautifully made'. A gold and garnet pendant found in north Norfolk last year (Image: Norfolk County Council) Made sometime between c600AD and c700AD, it is an example of a well-known pendant type of that era. Its inspiration comes from Hellenistic jewellery, which is said to have a very classical, restrained appearance. The Hellenistic period, spanning from 323 BC to 30 BC, marked a significant era in ancient history and was characterised by the spread of Greek culture across a vast empire established by Alexander the Great. The pendant itself is constructed on a gold backplate, which has a border of thick beaded wire, flanked by a pair of slim plain wires, around the edge. The beading has been made with a swage or "beading file" - a tool which probably had a single groove flanked by teeth. On the reverse, the backplate is dented and hollowed in the centre. The gem is a very neatly shaped and highly polished cabochon which, although very dark, appears reddish. Dr Helen Geake (Image: Newsquest) A report from archaeologist Helen Geake, the county's finds liaison officer, was read to the court, based at County Hall in Norwich. In it, Dr Geake said the gem was 'probably a garnet'. It total, the piece weighs 1.90g, which is around the same weight of a pomegranate. The latest figures from the Ministry of Justice show there were 132 treasure finds declared to coroners in 2024 in Norfolk. This was more than the year before, when there were 95.
