The British Museum's annual art quiz has crowned a Viking Thor's Hammer amulet as the most beloved object, beating out masterpieces by Michelangelo and Turner. The tiny silver pendant, dating from the 10th century, garnered over 12,000 votes in the public poll, which asked participants to choose their favorite from a shortlist of 20 artifacts.
Quiz Details and Winner
Now in its fifth year, the Great British Museum Quiz invites the public to vote for the object they find most intriguing. This year's winner, a Viking Thor's Hammer amulet, was unearthed in Yorkshire and is thought to have been worn as a pendant. It is one of only a handful of such amulets found in Britain. According to the museum, the hammer is a symbol of the Norse god Thor, representing protection and strength.
Runner-Up and Notable Entries
The runner-up was a medieval Jewish wedding ring from the 14th century, which received over 10,000 votes. Other popular objects included a Roman glassware set, an ancient Egyptian mummy portrait, and a 19th-century Maori war canoe. The quiz is designed to highlight lesser-known items in the museum's vast collection, rather than its most famous exhibits like the Rosetta Stone or the Elgin Marbles.
Public Engagement and Impact
Museum director Dr. Sarah Jones said, 'The quiz is a wonderful way for people to discover the hidden gems of our collection. The Thor's Hammer amulet is a small but powerful object that tells a big story about Viking life and beliefs.' The quiz also included a series of online clues and riddles, which participants solved to narrow down the field. The winning object will now be given a special display case in the museum's Enlightenment Gallery.
