Emma Culligan Finds 400-Year-Old Buckle That Could Lead to Oak Island’s Legendary Treasure!
Arsenic-Linked Buckle Could Date Back to 1600s
An extraordinary new artifact unearthed on Lot 5 of Oak Island has reignited debate over the island’s possible connections to 17th-century explorers and military expeditions. The object in question—a fragmented copper buckle—was found by metal detection expert Gary Drayton and later analyzed by archaeometallurgist Emma Culligan. The presence of arsenic in the alloy composition has raised the possibility that the item dates back to the late 1600s.
Culligan’s analysis revealed that the buckle contains not only copper but also traces of zinc, lead, iron, and arsenic—a combination that aligns with early European metallurgical practices. This potential time frame overlaps with the activities of Sir William Phips, a British naval officer known for recovering treasure from the Concepción shipwreck in 1687. The discovery may lend further weight to theories that Phips or his associates were involved in depositing treasure on Oak Island.
Discovery on Lot 5 Intensifies Historic Theories
Lot 5 has emerged as one of the most artifact-rich areas of Oak Island. In addition to the newly discovered copper buckle, previous excavations have revealed Venetian trade beads, iron tools, and soils matching deep layers of the infamous Money Pit. These finds have increasingly pointed to 17th-century European activity on the island.
Drayton, who located the buckle near a rounded stone foundation, initially speculated that the artifact could be a decorative plate from a military satchel or belt. His suspicions were later supported by blacksmithing expert Carmen Legge, who concluded the item resembled a riveted nameplate or belt plate, potentially used by soldiers or explorers.
Emma Culligan’s High-Tech Analysis Uncovers Key Clues
Emma Culligan, an archaeometallurgist with a dual background in engineering and archaeology, conducted a non-invasive analysis of the artifact using advanced technology including the Skyscan 1273 CT scanner and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Her testing not only confirmed the alloy composition but also uncovered trace amounts of gold—an unexpected element that adds further intrigue.
Culligan, who has become a central figure in The Curse of Oak Island series, plays a crucial role in authenticating and dating metallic artifacts. Her findings continue to guide the team’s exploration strategy and support emerging theories around historical maritime activity.
Potential Connection to Sir William Phips
The possible dating of the artifact to the late 1600s has intensified speculation around Sir William Phips and his rumored connection to Oak Island. Phips famously recovered a vast fortune from the wreck of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de la Concepción and brought it to Boston. Some researchers, including historian Scott Clarke, have suggested that parts of this treasure may have been transported to Oak Island, possibly with the help of Freemason Captain Andrew Belcher.
The hasty construction of stone foundations on Lot 5—where the artifact was found—may indicate efforts to quickly bury or conceal valuable items, lending further credence to this theory.
Other Metallic Clues Supporting Broader Theories
The buckle is the latest in a series of intriguing metallic discoveries that continue to blur the line between legend and historical reality. Artifacts such as a lead cross discovered in 2017, 16th- and 17th-century European coins, and even a copper coin dated to 1317 have fueled speculation that Oak Island may have hosted visitors long before the age of piracy.
Perhaps the most controversial find remains a Roman-style sword reportedly recovered off the coast of Oak Island. While its authenticity remains debated, its discovery has sparked theories of ancient transatlantic contact.
The Role of Emma Culligan in the Oak Island Mystery
Culligan’s contributions go beyond analyzing a single artifact. A Canadian archaeologist who began her career in Japan before pursuing a dual degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Culligan has emerged as a key figure in the Oak Island investigation. Her expertise in archaeometallurgy—a fusion of archaeology and materials science—has enabled the team to examine artifacts without damaging them, a vital step in preserving the integrity of historical finds.
Her ability to decode the hidden stories within metal relics could be the key to unlocking the final chapters of the Oak Island legend.
Conclusion: A Step Closer, But the Mystery Deepens
Despite the growing body of evidence, including the newly analyzed copper buckle, definitive proof of treasure on Oak Island remains elusive. Yet each artifact discovered, tested, and dated adds another layer of complexity—and excitement—to the centuries-old mystery.
Whether this buckle truly belonged to one of Phips’ men, or represents a different chapter in Oak Island’s history, remains to be seen. What is certain is that with researchers like Emma Culligan on the case, Oak Island is closer than ever to revealing its long-guarded secrets.
