Treasures of the Viking Age - The Galloway Hoard

 

Silver Anglo-Saxon pectoral cross with
niello inlay and gold, depicting four evangelists.

Silver arm-rings

Silver ingots and hacksilver

Silver broad-band arm-rings

Silver arm-rings

Silver annular rod arm-ring

Silver arm-rings and ingots

Four silver ribbon arm-rings bound by a
smaller silver broad-band arm-ring

Last weekend we drove down to Melbourne and as part of our trip visited the Treasures of the Viking Age The Galloway Hoard exhibition at Melbourne Museum. This exhibition is from the National Museums of Scotland and is on display at the Melbourne Museum until 26 January 2026. The Galloway Hoard was buried in 900 AD and is one of the richest collection of Viking-age objects found in Britain and Ireland. It was discovered by metal detectorists in 2014 at Balmagie, Kirkcudbrightshire in Scotland. The Galloway Hoard consists of over five kilograms of silver bullion, unique gold objects, the rare preservation of textiles and an unusual range of other materials. A very highly recommended exhibition! There is also an excellent book on the hoard by Martin Goldberg and Mary Davis available at the museum shop.

Gold ring, bird-pin and ingot

Silver gilt lidded vessel which contained the hoard
was wrapped in partially preserved textiles

Glass beads, bead wth a silver pendant and a coin,
silver-mounted rock crystal pendant and a rattlestone.

Silver penannular brooch-hoop

3D print of a rock crystal jar, the original has
a gold mesh holding a filigree 
and rope-work decorated lid in place.

Gold pendant and silver hinged strap

Gold twisted rod, ingot and
three animal-headed gold mounts

Silver Anglo-Saxon brooches with niello inlay

Silver Anglo-Saxon brooches with niello inlay