Medieval Jesus Figurine Discovered in Norway
Recently, metal detectorists in Norway stumbled upon an impressive portrayal of Jesus Christ—a golden figurine believed to be around 1,000 years old. The discovery took place in a grassy meadow on November 1 in Åndalsnes, a coastal town located about 420 miles northwest of Oslo.
The statuette, dating back to about 1100 AD, was found on All Saints Day, a significant Christian observance honoring saints and martyrs.
Images from the discovery showcase a weathered figurine depicting Jesus on the cross, still showcasing remnants of gold plating and fine detailing.
Kim Erik Dybvik, the hobbyist who discovered it, shared that his interest in metal detecting began when he was a child living on a remote island in Norway, often daydreaming about unearthing hidden treasures.
Dybvik mentioned that his father worked as a lighthouse keeper, which perhaps fueled his curiosity about finding rare items underground. As a child, he dreamed of becoming an archaeologist but eventually chose a career in the medical field. Nevertheless, he continues to chase that childhood passion in his spare time, scouring Norway for buried treasures.
He teamed up with Warren Schmidt, an American expatriate and fellow metal detectorist, as they traveled across Norway on their treasure-hunting missions. Before they made the remarkable find on November 1, they had uncovered several other artifacts.
Dybvik recounted that the day was quite windy, so much so that he sometimes struggled to stand. Despite the conditions, they pressed on and found various items, including buttons and coins, alongside medieval weights.
After sunset, just as they were about to give up, Dybvik received a strong signal from his detector—often indicative of a larger object. Initially, he thought it might be trash. However, as he dug, he was stunned to find the statuette, noting, “I looked straight into the eyes of Jesus.”
Realizing the significance of the find, he quickly ran to share the moment with Schmidt, exclaiming, “I may have made the greatest discovery of all time,” which revealed their shared astonishment. Dybvik described the experience as overwhelming, with countless emotions flooding his mind.
Recognizing the historical importance of the figurine, he immediately contacted an expert. In Norway, all artifacts dated before 1537 must be reported to authorities. The find was assessed by field archaeologist Aaron Johnston, and preservation efforts are currently underway, supervised by county archaeologist Christopher Dahl.
Having previously uncovered Viking-era artifacts, Dybvik emphasized that the Jesus figurine was unique in its significance. He expressed hope that it will be showcased for public appreciation, underlining his passion for preserving cultural heritage to deepen understanding of the past.
