He was looking for a plane, found a unique treasure from the Bronze Age

While searching for the wreckage of a World War II plane near Thisted, Denmark, detectorist Peter Jensen discovered a unique set of Bronze Age figurines and ceremonial axes. The discovery was made in 2019, and after subsequent research and conservation, it will now be officially displayed along with other rare local artefacts to mark the opening of the new museum in Thisted.

The Kallerup Treasure consists of four bronze figurines of very fine craftsmanship and high artistic quality. First, a bronze figure of a man with two heads and horned helmets (the so-called "Danish Janus") was found by an amateur detectorist working with archaeologists from the Thy Museum. Subsequently, Peter's detector picked up a large ceremonial axe, also bronze. This had already summoned archaeologists, who removed the axe in a soil block for safe and detailed examination, preserving the context under laboratory conditions. A later CT scan in the block revealed two more figures with horse heads and snake bodies.

The thorough archaeological research and conservation of the assemblage took many months. The hoard is now owned by the National Museum, but will be on long-term (probably permanent) loan to the Thisted Museum so that the assemblage can remain as close as possible to its original location. The new museum has seven permanent displays in three buildings, which showcase the history of the local area and its artefacts dating back to the Stone Age.

The grand opening of the museum is planned for 24. June, with the Kallerup Treasure on display alongside other spectacular local finds such as the Ydby rune stone, a gold bracelet with six rings, an amber jewellery, and Iron Age warrior grave goods including a large spoon/ladle, which is certainly the best preserved and possibly the only surviving Iron Age spoon/ladle in Denmark.

Roman Nemec

Sources: dr.dk, thehistoryblog.com, museumthy.dk

CT scan of the block

At the site

The finds were made using a metal detector and picked up by archaeologists

Ceremonial axe and figurines in situ in laboratory conditions

Massive gold bracelet

Large iron spoon - ladle

Huge massive ceremonial axe