Centuries-Old Viking Treasure Unveiled to the Public
For the first time ever, the public can now lay eyes on an exquisite rock crystal jar, a star artefact from the renowned Galloway Hoard. This stunning object, which looks remarkably like an ornate perfume bottle adorned with intricate gold filigree, has gone on display at Kirkcudbright Galleries, marking a significant moment for history enthusiasts and the local community alike.
The Significance of the Galloway Hoard
The Galloway Hoard itself is a find of immense historical importance. It was discovered in 2014 by metal detectorists in a field in Balmaghie, Dumfries and Galloway. Experts have hailed it as one of the most significant UK archaeological discoveries of this century. The entire collection dates back to around AD 900 and is a rich assemblage of valuables, including arm rings, brooches, and pendants from the Viking Age.
What makes this rock crystal jar so special is its clear connection to a Christian church or religious community. A Latin inscription, crafted in gold on the jar, provides a direct link to the past, translating as "Bishop Hyguald had me made". This personal touch offers a rare glimpse into the individual who commissioned this beautiful object over a millennium ago.
An Object of International Renown
Dr Martin Goldberg, Principal Curator of Medieval Archaeology and History at National Museums Scotland (NMS), which acquired the hoard in 2017, expressed his enthusiasm. He described the jar as a highlight of the Galloway Hoard, noting its complex history. "From the beautiful rock crystal itself, originally carved in the form of a classical Corinthian column 2,000 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," Dr Goldberg stated.
The journey to displaying this artefact has been a long one. When found, the jar was wrapped in precious textiles—a linen cloth and placed inside a silk-lined leather pouch—before being packed away with more than two dozen other treasures. These wrappings are a rare medieval survival in their own right, believed to contain Scotland's earliest known example of silk. The delicate and lengthy conservation process required to separate the jar from these fragile textiles is the reason it has never been available for public viewing until now.
While the inscription names Bishop Hyguald, NMS confirms that gaps in ninth-century church records have made it impossible to definitively identify him or his exact bishopric. However, it is considered likely he was a Northumbrian bishop, placing the object within a specific historical and geographical context.
Dr Goldberg added, "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 for the first time in Kirkcudbright." While the main part of the Galloway Hoard is currently on an international tour in Melbourne, Australia, visitors to Scotland have a unique opportunity to see this remarkable piece. The Galloway Hoard: Rock Crystal Jar exhibition will run at Kirkcudbright Galleries until 14 June next year.
