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Scuba Diving News
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Sunday, 23 November 2008 21:23 |
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In what can only be described as a wave of good karma, local Irish diver Pat Treanor stumbled upon what is believed to be a 2000 year old Viking artifact while he was aiding the search for a missing diver in the River Lee.
The piece, which is currently being examined by the National Museum of Ireland is circular with a bulbous end and is thought to be either a bracelet or brooch, was found on the river bed sitting on top of stones in ten feet of water.Mr Treanor, who originally thought his discovery was a modern piece of jewellery said: "When I took it out it was black and it was only when I cleaned it off that I realised it was actually silver. It was at that stage I realised it wasn't an ordinary piece of jewellery. It was quite heavy but there was no stamp on it, and there was a lot of wear and lots of imperfections on it, you'd know it wasn't recent." Initial indications suggest the piece could be up to 2,000 years old and it is now in the hands of the National Museum who will try and pinpoint and exact date for the bangle. 'They are saying it is over 1,500 years old but we are waiting on the people in Dublin to confirm that,' said Mr Treanor, who has worked with the BFRRS for the past seven years. 'I was shocked when I found out it could be that old. I thought it was just a modern piece of jewellery until I cleaned it up and saw there was no stamp on it and then I went to find out more about it.' If the piece of jewellery is identified as an ancient artefact, it will become state property and Mr Treanor will receive a finders fee. |
