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Norwegian Detectorist Finds Gilded 12th-Century Christ Figure Near Åndalsnes

The medieval piece is now under official conservation following prompt reporting required by Norwegian heritage law.

Overview

  • The figurine depicting Jesus on the cross was recovered on Nov. 1 in a field near Åndalsnes, roughly 260 miles northwest of Oslo.
  • Stylistic assessment places the artifact around 1100 A.D., and photographs show traces of gilding and fine torso detail.
  • Field archaeologist Aaron Johnston examined the piece, which is now in conservation under county archaeologist Kristoffer Dahle.
  • Finder Kim Erik Dybvik was detecting with American expatriate Warren Schmidt after a day that also yielded buttons, coins, buckles and a medieval weight.
  • Dybvik reported the discovery immediately in accordance with Norway’s pre-1537 reporting rules and expressed hope the piece will go on public display.