In 2014, Derek McLennan, a metal detectorist from Scotland, stumbled upon one of the most significant archaeological finds of the Viking Age. Hidden in a ploughed field near Dumfries and Galloway, McLennan unearthed an extraordinary hoard of Viking treasure, including gold, silver, and a host of objects that revealed insights into a world long past. The discovery, now known as the Galloway hoard, is the largest Viking collection ever found in the UK or Ireland. What makes this find even more intriguing is a surprising connection to South Australia—a link that revolves around the very metal detector McLennan used, made by the Australian company Minelab.
The treasure, which had been buried over a thousand years ago, was displayed earlier this year in the Treasures of the Viking Age exhibition at the South Australian Museum. The coincidence of the metal detector’s Australian origin adds an unexpected twist to the narrative of this remarkable discovery, underlining how modern technology and ancient history have converged in a most unusual way.
The Discovery: A Moment of Enlightenment
Derek McLennan’s reaction when he first uncovered the Viking hoard speaks to the raw excitement and awe that comes with finding a piece of history. McLennan recalls: “I unearthed the first piece; initially I didn’t understand what I had found because I thought it was a silver spoon, and then I turned it over and wiped my thumb across it and I saw the saltire-type of design and knew instantly it was Viking. Then my senses exploded.” This initial discovery marked the beginning of a journey that would unravel a treasure trove of gold, silver, and other precious objects hidden beneath layers of earth for over a millennium.
What McLennan unearthed was not merely a collection of material wealth but also a snapshot of the Viking era—a civilization defined by its daring conquests, complex trade networks, and fascinating cultural artifacts. Among the hoard were objects of tremendous historical and cultural significance, such as gold arm-rings, textiles, and even a small box containing delicate gold items, including a bird pin. These treasures were thought to have been buried by Vikings in a time of danger, likely with the hope of recovering them at a later time, or perhaps, as part of a ritualistic offering to the afterlife.
The Cultural Significance: Beyond Just Treasure
While the gold and silver pieces are undeniably impressive, some of the hoard’s lesser-known items have captured the attention of archaeologists and historians. Content coordinator at the South Australian Museum, Stephen Zagala, points out that “It’s these glass beads and curios and heirlooms which are really more like a time capsule than a treasure hoard.” These heirlooms, passed down through generations, were never meant to be left behind but instead were part of a long tradition of keeping valuable objects within families. As Zagala suggests, these items are “heirlooms that have been passed down over several generations, and they intended to pass them on further, and it never happened. They were just left in the ground for a thousand years.”
One particularly fascinating object is the rattle-stone, which may have been used in Scandinavian culture during childbirth. The stone’s interior was eroded by water, leaving behind a small fossil or stone that rattles when shaken, much like a seed pod. This seemingly simple object speaks volumes about Viking beliefs and practices, with Zagala noting, “It speaks to magic and mysticism. It speaks to maternal care and memories and relationships in a community.” The rattle-stone, like many other artifacts, sheds light on the deep cultural and spiritual beliefs that underpinned Viking life and rituals.
The Australian Connection: Minelab and its Role
The discovery of the Galloway hoard was made possible in part by modern technology, specifically the metal detector McLennan used. The device, a waterproof CTX 3030, was produced by Minelab, an Australian company known for creating some of the most advanced metal detectors in the world. This detector played a crucial role in McLennan’s find, and in a twist of fate, it has also created a link between this Viking treasure and South Australia.
Mark Lawrie, Minelab’s engineering general manager, describes the connection as a “bizarre” coincidence. The company’s metal detectors are widely used for finding coins, treasures, and even landmines in conflict zones. However, Lawrie acknowledges that the discovery of the Viking hoard was a serendipitous moment. McLennan and his wife, Sharon, who is from Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, have since become key collaborators with Minelab, helping to fine-tune and test the company’s technology. Lawrie’s connection to metal detecting is personal—he describes it as “meditative” and likens it to “dirt fishing,” where the joy lies in the anticipation rather than the actual finds.
