The Viking pommel found in Friesland features which artistic animal style?
Metal‑detector hobbyist Sander Visser struck glittering metal in a Friesland pasture last December and unwittingly rewrote Dutch Viking history. The gilded copper pommel cap—ornamented with Mammen‑style boars—dates to the 10th century and is only the second Viking sword fitting ever found in the Netherlands. Conservators confirmed mercury gilding and niello inlay, indicating elite craftsmanship. The farm sits near a medieval trade road linking Frisia to Scandinavia, fuelling theories of a transient Viking camp. Under Dutch treasure law the state may purchase the artefact; valuation hearings start next month. A special exhibit will open in April, with VR scenes showing the sword in battle. Visser, now a local celebrity, says he’ll keep detecting—after the cows are milked.
