A rare Bronze Age treasure trove of over 500 bronze and organic artefacts, including unique rattle pendants, rewrites understanding of prehistoric Scotland’s international ties.
A hoard of objects discovered in the Scottish Borders, described as “one of the most significant ever found” has been acquired by National Museums Scotland.
Efforts are now underway to secure funding for the continued research and conservation of the hoard and to uncover the secrets of this one-of-a-kind discovery.
The Bronze Age Peebles Hoard was discovered in the Scottish Borders by a metal detectorist in w2020. It has since been excavated, analysed and catalogued, revealing dozens of rare objects for the first time.
Dating to 1000–800 BCE it comprises over 500 unusual bronze and organic pieces and components that had lain undisturbed for 3000 years. Among the pieces are two rattle pendants, the first ever found in Scotland, more commonly found in Denmark, northern Germany and northern Poland.
The hoard was allocated to National Museums Scotland under the Treasure Trove process, with an ex-gratia payment made to Mariusz Stępień, the detectorist who discovered it.
Dr Matthew Knight, Senior Curator of Prehistory at National Museums Scotland described the hoard as “exceptional, an utterly unique discovery that rewrites our understanding of both Bronze Age communities in Scotland and our prehistoric international connections.”
The pieces now require essential conservation to prevent further deterioration, said National Museums Scotland, requiring critical research. To this end, National Museums Scotland is launching a fundraising campaign to support the urgent costs of conserving the hoard and unlocking its enormous research potential.
