Rare Artifact Unveiled at Hungarian National Museum
A rare Bronze Age artifact has been unearthed and will be on display at the Hungarian National Museum starting from October 5th. Discovered on Somló Hill, located in the northern region of Lake Balaton, this treasure dates back to the Late Bronze Age, around 1000-850 BC.
The artifact, found by the museum’s archaeologists, consists of a unique necklace discovered in an urn-style jar, along with thousands of bronze jewelry pieces like hoops, dowels, beads, and spirals. This collection of exquisite jewelry is believed to have belonged to an elite woman from that period, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of the era.
The design of the necklace is reminiscent of gold-foil-covered bronze diadems and ornamental discs from the urnfield culture of Transdanubia, connecting it to wider patterns of goldsmithery in west-central Europe. Interestingly, finds like this are usually not associated with burials, leaving the original context of the artifact shrouded in mystery.
A volunteer archaeologist named Krisztián Király, who had the honor of discovering the artifact, shared his exhilarating experience of the day he uncovered it. After a successful metal detecting session on Somló Hill, Mr. Király stumbled upon the bronze bracelet, which led to the unearthing of several other pieces, including the gold foil-covered necklace.
The unveiling of this Bronze Age artifact is significant as it provides valuable insights into the cultural and social dynamics of ancient Europe. Displayed at the Hungarian National Museum, the artifact will be showcased as the treasure of the month in Széchényi Hall, shedding light on the craftsmanship and artistic expression of that era and enriching our knowledge of ancient societies and their customs.
