Appeal As Bronze Age Axeheads Anonymously Donated By Post
General News
Saturday 13th, July 2024
The National Museum of Ireland (NMI) has issued an appeal for information following the anonymous donation of Early Bronze Age axeheads. The artefacts, dated to around 2150-2000 BC, were sent to the museum at the end of June 2024, accompanied by a letter stating they were discovered in the Westmeath area using a metal detector.
The sender, who did not provide any contact details or further specifics, thoughtfully packed the axeheads in foam cut outs and cardboard, ensuring their safe arrival. The museum's experts have identified the items as flat axeheads from the Early Bronze Age, describing them as a significant archaeological find that offers a glimpse into Ireland's distant past.
However, the NMI emphasised the importance of knowing the exact location where the axeheads were found to fully understand and appreciate their historical context. “The context of such discoveries helps archaeologists piece together ancient settlement patterns and cultural practices”, the museum stated. “For instance, hoards or collections of objects were often deliberately placed in specific locations for reasons that could range from ritualistic to supernatural”.
The museum is appealing to the person who sent the axeheads to reach out with any information about their discovery, assuring that such information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and used solely to verify the find location and its circumstances.
In Ireland, it is illegal to search for archaeological objects using a metal detector without written consent from the Government. Breaching this law can result in fines up to €63,486 and imprisonment for up to three months. The NMI reminded the public of these regulations and the importance of reporting archaeological finds to preserve the nation’s heritage.
The museum is currently participating in an international study of Bronze Age metalwork to trace the origins of the metals used in such artefacts. Details about the find spot of these axeheads could provide critical data for this research.
Matt Seaver, Assistant Keeper of Irish Antiquities at the NMI, expressed his excitement about the discovery, saying, “We are thrilled about the discovery of these Early Bronze Age axeheads, but to truly understand their significance, we need to know where they were found”.
He also reminded the public of the importance of reporting archaeological finds, “It is our legal duty to report the discovery of archaeological objects. The NMI’s role is to preserve these treasures for everyone in the State, ensuring they are available for future generations. We rely on the public’s support to achieve this”.
Seaver concluded by stressing the regulations surrounding the use of metal detectors for searching archaeological objects, reminding that such finds without a known owner are the property of the state and preserved as part of Ireland’s collective heritage in national and designated museums.
The NMI’s appeal highlights the critical role of the public in safeguarding and contributing to the understanding of Ireland’s archaeological heritage.
The sender, who did not provide any contact details or further specifics, thoughtfully packed the axeheads in foam cut outs and cardboard, ensuring their safe arrival. The museum's experts have identified the items as flat axeheads from the Early Bronze Age, describing them as a significant archaeological find that offers a glimpse into Ireland's distant past.
However, the NMI emphasised the importance of knowing the exact location where the axeheads were found to fully understand and appreciate their historical context. “The context of such discoveries helps archaeologists piece together ancient settlement patterns and cultural practices”, the museum stated. “For instance, hoards or collections of objects were often deliberately placed in specific locations for reasons that could range from ritualistic to supernatural”.
The museum is appealing to the person who sent the axeheads to reach out with any information about their discovery, assuring that such information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and used solely to verify the find location and its circumstances.
In Ireland, it is illegal to search for archaeological objects using a metal detector without written consent from the Government. Breaching this law can result in fines up to €63,486 and imprisonment for up to three months. The NMI reminded the public of these regulations and the importance of reporting archaeological finds to preserve the nation’s heritage.
The museum is currently participating in an international study of Bronze Age metalwork to trace the origins of the metals used in such artefacts. Details about the find spot of these axeheads could provide critical data for this research.
Matt Seaver, Assistant Keeper of Irish Antiquities at the NMI, expressed his excitement about the discovery, saying, “We are thrilled about the discovery of these Early Bronze Age axeheads, but to truly understand their significance, we need to know where they were found”.
He also reminded the public of the importance of reporting archaeological finds, “It is our legal duty to report the discovery of archaeological objects. The NMI’s role is to preserve these treasures for everyone in the State, ensuring they are available for future generations. We rely on the public’s support to achieve this”.
Seaver concluded by stressing the regulations surrounding the use of metal detectors for searching archaeological objects, reminding that such finds without a known owner are the property of the state and preserved as part of Ireland’s collective heritage in national and designated museums.
The NMI’s appeal highlights the critical role of the public in safeguarding and contributing to the understanding of Ireland’s archaeological heritage.
