The Hoard features more than 100 rare objects discovered after being buried for over one thousand years.
Currently on show at the South Australian Museum this intriguing exhibition fits neatly into a relatively small space and consists of some short videos providing a narrative telling of the historical context which is, to say it plainly, mind blowing.
There are the obligatory display cases filled with the various trinkets such as silver arm rings, beads and brooches. Perhaps not too surprisingly many of these ancient objects have an uncanny familiarity to them as these etchings and designs have been passed down through the ages replicated over and over. At a glance it is likely they’ll remind you of jewellery you’ve seen recently at a craft fair or market.
In a thoughtfully fun gesture, there are children friendly windows at just the right height for the kids, depicting detailed scenes from history of Vikings interacting with the world as they go about their business. I found this touch particularly helpful in terms of opening discussion with the grandchildren as it immediately fed their imagination and raised inquisitive questions.
A great deal has been said and written about the significance of this archaeological find by historians on how it demonstrates interactions between various northern hemisphere cultures, but what struck me most was how familiar these objects seem; how they relate so well to our predominantly Anglo-Celticness, and in turn speak directly to the significance of our own unique indigenous landscape filled with insights into an ancient past.
I attended Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard on ANZAC Day thinking it may be a quiet time to visit, I couldn’t have been more wrong, it was very busy. When you do visit take time to listen to the videos on display for they present a lot of information and read the excellent descriptions on show. This marvellous exhibition illuminates a distant yet familiar past beautifully.
Images: National Museums Scotland.
The Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard is on at the South Australian Museum until 27 July 2025.
