Crystal maze: a twisty-turny journey through the history of an unusual early medieval jar
Resource type
Abstract
Creator (person)
Davis, Mary
Goldberg, Martin
Date published
August 30, 2023
Abstract
The Galloway Hoard, dating to c. AD 900, was found by metal detectorists in 2014 in Southwest Scotland. It is made up of a large number of Viking age arm rings and ingots, as well as many Anglo-Saxon objects. The majority of the Anglo-Saxon artefacts were contained within a lidded vessel and included brooches, beads, heirlooms and curios, some of which were several hundred years old when buried. There were also two textile bundles containing elaborate gold objects. One of these bundles - composed of leather, samite silk and linen contained a carved rock crystal jar, highly decorated with gold sheet, wire and filigree. The object is unique, and presents an interesting history of use, change 879 and elaboration dating back to the Roman period. This paper aims to tell the story of unravelling the origins of the object as well as examining the unusual intricately applied wound and twisted gold decoration.
Project(s)
Unwrapping the Galloway Hoard
Editor
Karabà¡Å¡, Magdalena
Kleinovà¡, KateÅ™ina
Funder
| Funder name | Awards |
Arts and Humanities Research Council | AH/T012218/1 |
Event title
European Association of Archaeologists Conference
Publisher
European Association of Archaeologists
Place of publication
Belfast
Related URL
Rights statement
In Copyright
Collection