Metal detectorist finds 1,000-year-old Viking bracelet

A few weeks ago, a metal detector enthusiast named Ronald Clucas made an exceptional find. He was on the Isle of Man when he discovered a fragment of a gold Viking bracelet , crafted over a thousand years ago. The find not only represents an archaeological treasure, but also a window into the island's Viking past, enriching our understanding of its history and culture.

Dated between 1000 and 1100 AD, the bracelet was made using a specialized technique involving the braiding of eight gold rods, demonstrating the skill of Viking goldsmiths . The fragment that was discovered measures approximately 3.7 centimeters long and weighs 27.26 grams, although it would have originally been closer to 7.7 cm long. It was found folded in half, suggesting it may have been used in financial transactions, as it was common during the Viking Age to cut pieces of gold and silver to use as currency, Live Science reports.

Clucas is a member of the Isle of Man Detectorists Society . He expressed his amazement at the find, highlighting the rarity of finding gold with a detector due to the weak signals it emits. This discovery marks his second Viking treasure haul, having previously found a silver ingot and a lead ingot in 2005 .

During the Viking Age, the Isle of Man operated under a dual economy where both coins and precious metals, such as gold and silver, were used in trade transactions. Gold, being scarcer than silver, was reserved for the creation of intricate jewelry that served as symbols of status and wealth . Manx National Heritage's curator of archaeology, Allison Fox, noted that this bracelet may have been used in multiple transactions, given that it features two distinct cuts.

During the Viking Age it was common to cut pieces of gold and silver to use as coins.

The reasons behind the bracelet's burial remain unclear . It could have been hidden for protection, accidentally lost, or even offered as tribute to the Viking gods . Regardless of its original purpose, its discovery provides a tangible connection to the cultural and economic practices of the Vikings in the region.

The bracelet has been officially declared a " treasure " by the Isle of Man's Deputy Commander-in-Chief, a designation that recognizes its historical and cultural value. It's currently on display at the Manx Museum's Viking Gallery in Douglas, allowing the public to get a closer look at this unique piece of the island's Viking heritage, Live Science reports.

This find adds to a series of Viking discoveries on the Isle of Man, cementing its reputation as a key point in the Viking trade and settlement network across the Irish Sea. The island has yielded numerous treasures, including coins, jewelry , and other artifacts, all of which contribute to a deeper understanding of Viking influence in the British Isles. The dedication of detectorists like Ronald Clucas plays a crucial role in the preservation and discovery of archaeological heritage.