More Recent Treasure Tales

There have always been people who, goaded by avarice, have been tempted to engage in systematic searches for treasure hoards. We know that graves have been rifled ever since prehistoric times, and that hoards have undoubtedly been discovered and kept a secret, sold or melted down beyond recognition.

Keeping treasures and other archaeological finds in private custody has long been prohibited by law. The Medieval provincial laws decreed that whoever found any treasure was obliged to hand over half of its contents to the king. The treasure had no antiquarian value, but was valued solely by the weight and content of the metal. In the 17th century, interest in ancient monuments and individual antiquities was aroused, as part of a political, national-romantic endeavour to assert the magnificent historic background of the fatherland. This interest was directed towards solitary, exceptional objects that could reinforce the conception of a magnificent ancient history, with mighty dynasties and important centres.

Not until the 1890s were the prehistoric treasures granted better antiquarian protection by way of a prohibition against melting down precious metals.

During the 1970s and 80s, Sweden, and Gotland in particular, suffered from an extensive ‘looting wave’. Graves, settlements and known treasure sites were plundered by private individuals equipped with metal detectors. The stolen objects ended up, almost without exception, in private collections. The looting was quite obviously well organised, and operated by international gangs specialised in treasure hunts.

The situation was brought under control by an intensive mass-medial information campaign, as well as an amendment of the law in July 1985, whereby the use of metal detectors was restricted on the mainland and strictly forbidden for private use on Gotland. At the beginning of the 1990s the private use of metal detectors was even prohibited on the Swedish mainland.

The looting of ancient monuments is considered a serious crime, since the objects are worth millions out on the market.

The Swedish Cultural Heritage Act is unique in the world as regards the protection and preservation of our ancient heritage. Objects that are stolen and forever hidden from the knowledge of our antiquarian authorities create black holes in the complete picture of our history.

Those who engaged in treasure hunts and looting during the late Medieval Period were considered to be the dregs of society. Digging for treasure was a violation that was believed to incur misery, mental derangement or dire illness as a consequence.

Still during the 19th century there was a rich oral tradition of treasure tales throughout Scandinavia, not least on Gotland. In contrast to the ill-boding tales of former times, the more recent tales bore an air of ridicule.

The tales relate how the whereabouts of hidden treasure can be perceived, and what must be done to get hold of it. Normally its location is disclosed by a shimmer: "dragon fire" or "fiery goods". The next stage – trying to gain possession of the treasure – always proves to be easier said than done!

The treasure hoards are protected by a sentinel; a dragon, a black dog or even a hen! A cunning plan must be worked out so as to get hold of the coveted gold. One of the golden rules is absolute silence. All attempts must be made to avoid being coaxed into laughter or flight by the jesting antics performed by the guard. As soon as the treasure seekers give themselves away, the treasure immediately disappears, and the whole enterprise has been in vain.

The lucky ones who eventually acquire their treasure have followed the prescribed rules to the letter, or else they have taken something home, that first on arrival turns out to be a treasure hoard. Their fearlessness and open minds are often rewarded by seemingly commonplace objects being transformed into wealth.