Viking-age jar found by metal detectorist to go on display for first time
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.
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BBC News
15 hours ago
- BBC News
Crystal jar from Viking treasure hoard to go on show in Kirkcudbright
A rock crystal jar from a significant Viking hoard discovered near Dumfries will be displayed for the first time later this Galloway Hoard was unearthed in a field by metal detectorist Derek McLennan in 2014 and is thought to be one of the most important archaeological finds in the UK this about AD 900, it contained a variety of objects and materials, including pendants, brooches, bracelets and relics. The jar, which resembles an ornate perfume bottle decorated in gold embellishments, will go on display at Kirkcudbright Galleries on 8 November. National Museums Scotland, which acquired the collection in 2017, said the jar was wrapped in linen and placed in a silk-lined leather pouch, before being packed into a larger lidded vessel with more than 20 other several months, the object was carefully separated from the textile - a rare medieval survival itself which is believed to include Scotland's earliest example of and other precious textile survivals had to be conserved with care, so the jar has never been available for display jar is thought to relate to the Christian church or its clergy and has a Latin inscription written in gold which translates as "Bishop Hyguald had me made". National Museums Scotland said due to gaps in church records in the 9th century, when the hoard is thought to have been buried, it had not been possible to identify Hyguald or exactly where he was based. Dr 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." Most of the Galloway Hoard is currently on display as part of an international tour which began earlier this showing at the South Australian Museum in Adelaide is due to close in July, as the collection moves to Melbourne for the next leg of the tour.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Viking-age jar found by metal detectorist in Scotland to go on display for first time
The rock crystal jar is part of a wider collection of items discovered in 2014 called the Galloway Hoard. A Viking-age rock crystal jar, once owned by a mystery bishop is set to go on public display for the first time. The artefact, previously owned by a bishop, was part of a hoard found by a metal detectorist is to go on public display for the first time later this year. It was buried near Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway around 900AD, where it stayed hidden until a metal detectorist discovered it in 2014. The jar will go on show at Kirkcudbright Galleries on November 8, close to where it was found. Standing 5cm high, the jar resembles a perfume bottle and is decorated with gold filigree. It is believed to have had an ecclesiastical function within the Catholic Church, as the gold inscription written on the jar says 'Bishop Hyguald had me made'. Because church records from the 9th century are patchy, researchers have struggled to identify Bishop Hyguald but believe he was 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'. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The jar, found wrapped in linen, was carefully unwrapped over several months to avoid damage, which is why it's only now ready 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.
South Wales Guardian
4 days ago
- South Wales Guardian
Viking-age jar found by metal detectorist to go on display for first time
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.
