Recently, a thrift store in Chilliwack, Canada, became the unlikely setting for a significant archaeological discovery. A customer, whose background in archaeology made them particularly alert to potential finds, noticed a collection of rings and medallions for sale at a price of $30. These items, which are intricately carved and exhibit signs of patina, were donated to Simon Fraser University (SFU) for further research and analysis.
The thrift store, operated by the Chilliwack Hospice Society, initially alerted SFU after the customer pointed out the potential significance of the jewelry. The university, through its archaeology department, has since taken the artifacts into their care, with plans to incorporate them into a specialized course that focuses on their identification and historical context. Dr. Sabrina Higgins, an associate professor of global humanities and archaeology at SFU, expressed her excitement about the donation, calling it an ‘amazing opportunity for students’ to engage with the artifacts.
Despite the affordability of the items, the actual value of the artifacts could be immense, depending on their historical authenticity and significance. Dr. Higgins and her colleagues are working to determine the exact age of the objects, with initial hypotheses suggesting a medieval origin. However, the precise location of the artifacts’ origin remains a mystery, prompting further investigation. The university is also exploring whether the artifacts might be looted or forged, which could affect their historical and scientific value.
Educators and researchers at SFU are particularly interested in how these artifacts might contribute to our understanding of ancient civilizations. Dr. Cara Grace Tremain, an assistant professor at the university, emphasized that the artifacts could offer new information about the culture or history of the period they originated from. ‘We’re essentially being detectives,’ Tremain noted, ‘trying to recover the story of these items. They could offer up new information that may change the way we think about that culture or history.’ The university is currently working to preserve the artifacts for further study and potential public display, with the goal of maximizing their educational and historical impact.
Meanwhile, the donation has also received positive attention from the Chilliwack Hospice Society, which oversees the thrift store. Executive director Sue Knott described the event as a ‘beautiful reminder’ of the value of community contributions and the unintended ways in which historical discoveries can emerge. The donation underscores the role of thrift stores and community organizations in preserving and protecting cultural heritage, even in unexpected settings. As the university continues its research, the artifacts hold the potential to reshape our understanding of ancient history and the importance of safeguarding such treasures for future generations.