Post by UKarchaeology on Sept 29, 2015 13:04:35 GMT
Two pieces of rare Anglo Saxon jewellery are going on display for the first time at Melton Carnegie Museum.
The pendants, which date from around 500AD, were found separately in Scalford, in 2010, and Hoby with Rotherby, in 2014.
Both pieces were found by the Melton and Belvoir Search Society.
Richard Blunt, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for museums, said: “These are exciting finds which appear to have close connections to Melton’s history.
“With so much going on at the museum during the summer holidays, this is a great time for these items to go on display and give youngsters and adults an insight into Anglo Saxon life.”
Known as ‘bracteates’, they show a man drinking from a conical vessel and are thought to have been made by the same craftsman. The pendant found in Hoby is thought to be unique in design.
A spokesperson for the British Museum, responsible for the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), said “These bracteates are the most northwesterly examples that are recorded with the PAS.
“Finds like these have the ability not only to inform us about past but to captivate our interest. It is especially heartening to see them acquired by and displayed together at a museum in the area where they were found.”
Three other finds also on public display for the first time at the museum include a 3,000-year-old fragment of Late Bronze Age gold bracelet from Asfordby and two 17 Century gold rings.
For more information visit www.leics.gov.uk/meltonmuseum or call the museum on (0116) 3053860.
(pics & source at: www.meltontimes.co.uk/what-s-on/arts-leisure/rare-anglo-saxon-jewellery-items-to-go-on-display-for-first-time-at-melton-carnegie-museum-1-6918357 )