September 4th 2024.
A remarkable discovery has been made at a Moray fort, revealing a Pictish ring that had remained hidden for over a thousand years. The fort, located in Burghead, was previously thought to have been damaged by the construction of a new town, but this recent find suggests otherwise.
The ring, shaped like a kite and featuring a garnet or red glass center, was unearthed during an excavation led by Aberdeen University. Interestingly, the person who discovered the ring, John Ralph, had studied at the same university 50 years ago. After many attempts at finding something significant, John was often told by experts that his findings were just "shiny pebbles." So when he stumbled upon the ring on the last day of the dig, he wasn't expecting much. However, his fellow volunteer's reaction gave him hope that this could be something special.
Growing up in Burghead, John felt a personal connection to the site and was thrilled to contribute to the understanding of the region's Pictish history. "It is a real thrill to dig up an artifact and know that I am probably the first person to see it in 1000-1500 years," he shared. The excitement of uncovering something that belonged to ancient people and imagining its significance in their lives is what drives John's passion for archaeology.
The ring is now being analyzed by the National Museum of Scotland's Post-excavation Service. The excavation work, led by Professor Noble over the past three years, has shed new light on the importance of the site and allowed for 3-D reconstructions of what it may have looked like in the past. According to Professor Noble, there are very few Pictish rings that have ever been discovered, and they are usually found in hoards that were deliberately buried for safekeeping. Finding one on the floor of a house was unexpected, and it was only on the final day of the dig that they decided to work on it.
The team will now examine the ring, along with other evidence of metalworking and the buildings uncovered, to understand its significance and who it may have been made for. The number of buildings found at the site and the evidence of metalworking suggest that Burghead was a seat of power during the Pictish period. This new discovery adds to the growing evidence and cements the fort's importance in Pictish history.
Overall, this find has been a thrilling moment for both John and the team of archaeologists. It adds another piece to the puzzle of the past and reinforces the significance of Burghead in Pictish culture. The ring will be a valuable addition to the National Museum of Scotland and will continue to be studied and admired for years to come. To read more fascinating stories about Scottish culture, be sure to subscribe to Scottish Field and stay updated on the latest discoveries and developments in the field of archaeology.
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