The Galloway hoard, discovered in a ploughed field in western Scotland in 2014, is heralded as the richest Viking-age treasure found in the UK and Ireland. Recent deciphering of an inscription on one of its unique silver ribbon arm rings revealed a profound message: 'This is the community's wealth [property].' The principal curator at National Museums Scotland highlighted the communal nature of the treasure, stating that everyone holds a part of this historical artifact. This understanding enhances the cultural and socio-economic context of Viking-age ownership, suggesting that wealth was viewed collectively by the community.
The inscription translates to 'This is the community's wealth [property],' showcasing the concept of communal ownership of the hoard.
Dr. Martin Goldberg stated, 'We're spreading the wealth. Everybody owns a bit of this hoard just like the inscription says.'
The discovery that ‘IGNAF’ could represent a community's wealth is significant, as it ties the hoard to a sense of shared belonging.
The term higna often indicates a religious community, adding layers of historical context to the interpretation of the hoard's ownership.
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