Detector – Lost and found

In the mini-exhibition, you can explore eleven objects from various Norwegian counties and historical epochs. Intricately designed weights can tell stories of trade, royal power, and contacts within and beyond Norway's borders. The amulets raise questions about people's beliefs during the transitional period between Norse religion and Christianity. Beautiful jewellery speaks of distant inspirations and created traditions that are still reflected in today's Norwegian traditional costume silver. Axes and spears could be used both in daily life and in war – but what stories can the bronze tip and iron axe in the exhibition tell?

Metal Detecting

Metal detecting is a popular hobby in Norway that provides us with a wealth of new archaeological material every year. With effective collaboration between detectorists and museums, individual finds can yield new knowledge about the past.

Metal detectorists must adhere to the Cultural Heritage Act, delivering all objects older than 1537 and coins older than 1650 to the county archaeologist. Items discovered in Southern and Eastern Norway are then sent to the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo.

The museum’s mission is to preserve and research archaeological objects from counties within the region, extending from Innlandet in the north to Agder in the south.

Do you have feedback on the exhibition?

• Contact Associate Professor Marte Spangen