An Öland resident has received state compensation for turning in a medieval archaeological find discovered decades ago, according to Swedish public broadcaster SVT Småland. The resident found a silver urnesspänne (urn clasp) in the 1970s during house construction in Mörbylånga municipality on Öland. The artifact was discovered in what was described as a 'dump heap' and was recently submitted to the county administrative board.
The Swedish National Heritage Board (Riksantikvarieämbetet) has decided to award the resident 900 kronor in compensation for submitting the archaeological find. According to the heritage board, this type of clasp was common during the early Middle Ages but is poorly represented in museum collections.
The decision notes that the urn clasp has cultural-historical value as it is likely evidence of early Christianity in Vickleby on Öland. The compensation represents recognition for the resident's responsible handling of the historical artifact, which will now be preserved for future study and public display.