The 1,000-year-old Viking Cross is a truly fascinating discovery! The Galloway Hoard is a treasure trove of Viking artifacts discovered in Scotland in 2014. This cross is just one part of an incredible find, which includes jewelry, weapons, and other objects of great historical importance. The incredible preservation of these items provides a unique insight into Viking life and culture, offering historians and archaeologists a valuable opportunity to better understand this period in history.

New preserved artifact

What an incredible discovery! The description of the Anglo-Saxon cross reveals not only its artistic beauty, but also its historical and religious significance. It is fascinating to see how the intricate details have survived through the centuries, even after being buried for so long. The use of the “carved porcupine quill” as a cleaning tool shows the meticulous care taken by the conservators to preserve and reveal the details of the cross without damaging it. This new addition to the Galloway Hoard will certainly contribute significantly to our understanding of Anglo-Saxon art and culture of the period.

Historical representation

The Anglo-Saxon cross recently discovered in the Galloway Hoard offers a valuable historical representation of the art and culture of the time. Its ornate details, including engravings of the four Christian Gospel writers, provide insights into the religious beliefs and practices of the Anglo-Saxon community that produced it.

The depictions of the evangelists as human and animal figures (St. Matthew as a human, St. Mark as a lion, St. Luke as a calf, and St. John as an eagle) are typical of medieval Christian iconography. These symbols not only reflect the religious tradition of the time, but also suggest a deep connection between the community that created the cross and the Christian faith.

Furthermore, the cleaning method used by the conservators, using the “carved porcupine quill”, highlights the importance of careful conservation and modern technology in preserving historical artefacts. This delicate approach allowed the intricate details of the cross to be revealed without causing irreparable damage, thus ensuring that its historical representation is preserved for future generations.

In the wider context of the Galloway Hoard, this cross adds another layer to the richness and diversity of the hoard, providing a more complete insight into the lives and culture of the people who lived in the region during this historical period. It is a tangible representation of the past that allows us to delve into the complexities and achievements of ancient societies.