During a family vacation in Sweden, eight-year-old Bruno Tillema stumbled upon an ancient Viking artifact.
Bruno was growing fascinated with fossils, so while the family was enjoying their holiday on a Gotland beach, he was also influenced by a recent book. This led him to scan the ground for treasures.
As he scanned the beach, a peculiar metal object caught his eye—a dark brown, intricately carved triangular artifact. He decided to investigate it.
He then picked up the object and continued his walk, not thinking much of its significance. It wasn't until his mother asked about the item that they realized they were holding a genuine ancient artifact.
His father, Andreas Tillema, shared, 'We had just given him a book about fossils, and because of that, he was actively scanning the ground with his eyes.'"
The object was discovered carved into the likeness of an animal's head and intricately decorated.
Subsequently, the family contacted the local administrative board, Länsstyrelsen, which sent three archaeologists to investigate the site. Upon their arrival, Bruno guided them to the precise spot where he had made his discovery.
At that site, the researchers uncovered another buckle, this one shaped like a ring.
"Both buckles are made of bronze and belong to costumes from the late Iron Age or early Viking Age," Therese Lindström, cultural environment manager at the County Administrative Board in Gotland County, said in a statement. "Buckles designed as animal heads are usually associated with Gotland women's graves, while ring buckles are found in both men's and women's graves."
It is suspected that the burial site may have been previously disturbed, leading the buckles to surface as the earth was plowed.
Both buckles are scheduled to undergo preservation measures, and their ultimate disposition will be determined by the National Antiquities Authority in Sweden.
Bruno's extraordinary find is not only carefully preserved but also contributes to the island's rich historical heritage.
Additionally, Bruno's passion for archaeology has been ignited, and he envisions one day uncovering the skull of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
