Viking Discovery Chest

Two new Viking loan kits available to borrow from Archaeology Scotland.

Email the Archaeology Scotland Learning Team for more information: education@archaeologyscotland.org.uk 

Viking Discovery Chest and Costume Baskets from the Hidden Heritage Project 

We are very grateful to the Hidden Heritage project for donating two fantastic Viking replica and reproduction kits that bring the past to life for learners! After a successful pilot loan, these kits are now available to all to borrow. 

“My class loved having the Viking resources. It really has brought their learning to life.” – Primary Teacher 

The Hidden Heritage Project was a community project which aimed to involve the community in investigating and interpreting the area’s heritage. The Hidden Heritage of a Landscape: Vengeful Vikings and Reckless Rustlers project has now ended but you can read more about the project and explore the resources on their website – https://hiddenheritage.org.uk/project/ 

What is inside the new loan kits? 

The Viking Discovery Chest  

These replicas and reconstructions have been carefully crafted based on real artefacts. More information on each item is included in the chest, as well as fun facts and activity ideas. As some objects are heavy/sharp, you will receive a Risk Assessment in advance of the loan which you can update for your group’s use. 

Contents of the Viking Discovery Chest: 

  • Drinking horn and blowing horn 
  • Bone spoon 
  • Whetstone 
  • Bone comb 
  • Wooden toy horse 
  • Leather ball 
  • Spinning spindle and spindle whorl and wool fleece 
  • Bone weaving tablets 
  • Wooden plates and bowls 
  • Pouch of jewellery for trade goods (beads and pendants) 
  • Three mens’ morris game 
  • Soay sheepskin 
  • Iron griddle pan 
  • Pottery lamp with beeswax 
  • Firelighting pouch 

Weapons and armour: 

  • Helmet and woolen lining cap 
  • Butted mail shirt 
  • Sword and scabbard 

The Viking Costume Baskets  

These replicas are inspired by real artefacts and include more information on each item. The clothing size is the same for each kit and was designed for KS2 pupils (P4/5/6). Some items are one size fits all e.g. woolen cloaks. Allergen information: Costume 1 contains horse hair.