The ancient Vrap Treasure, a stunning collection of gold and silver artifacts from Albania, has found a permanent home at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Discovered in the small village of Vrap in the early 20th century, this treasure is linked to the Avars, a nomadic tribe known for their wealth and warfare in the Balkans during the 6th and 7th centuries. The collection includes beautifully crafted items like goblets, jugs, and Byzantine-inspired vessels, highlighting both Avar craftsmanship and their interactions with the Byzantine Empire.

One of the standout pieces is a Byzantine bucket used for drawing water, along with other objects such as a gold goblet that has intrigued scholars for years. Some experts believe the treasure belonged to an Avar chief, while others suggest it might have been the work of a skilled Avar craftsman. Either way, the collection offers a rare glimpse into the cultural and artistic exchange between the Avars and the Byzantines.