Archaeological Working Group on Viking sword fragment

The board of the Archaeological Working Group of the Fryske Akademy invites you to a members' meeting on Thursday 17 April 2025, in the evening at 19.45 in the Café of Tresoar, Boterhoek 1 in Leeuwarden. Prof Nelleke IJssennagger-van der Pluijm has also been invited and will talk about the discovery of a fragment of a tenth-century Viking sword, discovered near Witmarsum.

Archaeology enthusiast Sander Visser from Lelystad made the find in a field on 3 May 2024. When his detector made a high, clear sound, he put the shovel in the grassland and at a depth of less than 20 centimetres, just under the grass, he found the object. Visser immediately realised it was part of a pommel and was special because of its decoration. Visser will also be present this evening and talk about his find.

Everyone is welcome, admission is free.

About the Archaeological Association

The Archeologysk Wurkferbân (Archaeological Association) aims to bring together amateur archaeologists in Fryslân. With numerous activities, they try to support archaeological research in the province. By organising lectures, courses, practical activities and excursions, they try to increase members' archaeological knowledge. This can help make this hobby more meaningful. Another appealing activity is that members can participate in excavations organised by competent bodies.

The lectures of the Archaeological Association are open to everyone, free of charge. If you would like to join the Archaeological Working Association, you can of course: anyone who donates to the Fryske Akademy (€25, - per year) can also become a member of one of the working associations.