Ten years after its discovery the Galloway Hoard continues to reveal more about itself. The latest discovery to be presented is that the lidded vessel that was found wrapped in cloth is now assigned an Iranian origin. This points to trading links stretching half way across what was then the known world, bringing a piece of silverware with Zoroastrian imagery to become part of a hoard of Christian artefacts buried in south west Scotland. Given its size and shape, its being made of precious metal and having the cloth covering all makes me wonder if, whatever its origins, it had been used in England or Scotland as a ciborium in a monastery or large church.
The BBC News report about it and about its impending display in a new British Museum exhibition can be seen at Viking-age treasure came to Scotland from West Asia
Other recent reports from the same channel about the cleaning, conservation and understanding of the items which comprise the hoard can be seen at Galloway Viking-age treasure hoard begins national tour, at Galloway Viking hoard secrets 'unwrapped' by £1m research, and at Viking-age treasure hoard comes home to Galloway
The whole hoard is a remarkable insight into the later ninth or tenth centuries as well as being a remarkable survival. It is described, along with an account of its discovery and the possible circumstances of its burial, in a detailed Wikipedia article at Galloway Hoard
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