Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com – Dating from 1000–800 BCE, the Peebles Hoard is a significant archaeological find consisting of over 500 distinctive bronze and organic objects, many of which have no known parallels worldwide.
The Bronze Age is defined by the widespread use and production of bronze—an alloy made from copper and tin, typically recognized by its deep golden color.
Credit: National Museums Scotland
However, conservation efforts on the Peebles Hoard have uncovered rare silver-colored items from a period when silver was not yet in use. Analysis at the National Museums Collection Centre determined that this coloration results from high levels of tin on the surface, likely achieved through an intentional enrichment process performed by highly skilled craftspeople.
The hoard was discovered in 2020 by a metal detectorist in the Scottish Borders and was officially allocated to National Museums Scotland via the Treasure Trove legal process in 2024. It was removed as a single block and excavated under controlled laboratory conditions at the National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh. Initially encrusted with earth and green copper patina, these bronze objects are now undergoing meticulous conservation work. Conservators are carefully removing centuries-old dirt and corrosion to reveal their original surfaces—a process expected to take approximately three years to complete for this remarkable Bronze Age discovery.
Pre-conservation image of the Pebbles Hoard. Credit: National Museums Scotland
“Working on the conservation of the Peebles Hoard is a rare privilege and definitely a career highpoint. As well as removing dirt and corrosion it is essential that we preserve as much precious organic material as possible for future research. Getting to this point has been a challenging and incredibly time-intensive process, but the moment the silvery surface began to emerge was magical, a secret revealed after 3,000 years,” Bethan Bryan, Peebles Hoard Conservator at National Museums Scotland said in a press statement.
The specific functions of many objects within the hoard remain unknown; however, it is thought that some items may have been used to decorate a horse or wooden vehicle. The tin-enriched embellishments likely enhanced their visual appeal, serving as indicators of high status and wealth through exceptional craftsmanship. Ongoing efforts are being made to secure funding for further research and conservation of the hoard.
Decorated bronze fittings from the Peebles Hoard. Credit: National Museums Scotland
“The Peebles Hoard is truly a one-of-a-kind discovery, and I have never seen anything like the stunning, silver-coloured finish of these Bronze Age objects. They almost glow.
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Thanks to the generous support of our donors we are making significant progress. However, there is more to be done to prevent further deterioration of these fragile objects and continue our research to uncover more of the Hoard’s secrets,” Dr Matthew Knight, Senior Curator of Prehistory at National Museums Scotland, said.
Written by Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com Staff Writer