Treasure Trove Coming to Shetland this May

On Friday 16th May, Dr George Prew, Treasure Trove Officer, will deliver an evening talk, ‘What’s new with Shetland finds?’ exploring the Treasure Trove system in Scotland and sharing insights into some of the most significant finds from Shetland in recent years. His presentation will offer an overview of the Treasure Trove process, including how finds are handled, assessed, and preserved, while highlighting the particular challenges the system faces. The session will showcase and discuss some of the most interesting objects that have come through the process in recent years.

Shetland Museum’s Curator of Archaeology, Jenny Murray, will also provide a brief introduction to highlight the importance of Treasure Trove in enabling Shetland Museum to acquire important objects from the community. Images showcased will include a selection of these objects: TT16/24, a beautiful Anglo-Scandinavian-type pommel; TT17/24, a gilded cloth seal, and TT15/24, a wonderful Shetland knife, all recently acquired through the Treasure Trove process.

Treasure Trove looks after the Scottish process of object identification and Crown claim, which covers any object that has been taken out of the ground and which is thought, on the basis of its age or rarity, worthy of preservation for the nation. Through this process, such finds are then offered to the public sphere through being acquired by museums and galleries. Chance discoveries of artefacts by members of the public have the potential to make a significant contribution to our understanding of Scotland’s past. Treasure Trove ensures that finds of cultural significance are protected and preserved in museums across the country.

On Saturday 17th May, Shetland Museum and Archives will host a drop-in session from 10.00am to 4.00pm, where members of the community are encouraged to bring along any finds they have discovered. A member of the Treasure Trove Unit will be available to assess finds and advise on next steps. Booking a 20-minute slot in advance via the Treasure Trove website is recommended, although walk-ins will also be welcomed throughout the day.

Jenny Murray explained that “treasure” can take many forms, from archaeological finds to medieval objects and pre-1800 coins. Items such as pottery sherds, beads, stone tools, worked bone, loom weights, and fishing weights, dating from around 4000 BC to AD 1800, all have the potential to tell important parts of Scotland’s story. Many artefacts are discovered by chance – whether while gardening, ploughing fields, or cutting peat – and sometimes even include remarkable finds such as ancient textiles and Viking Age treasures.

Tickets to the talk 'What's New with Shetland Finds?'

Book your 20-minute slot on Sat 17th May with a Treasure Trove expert here