Rare gold treasure from 3,000 years ago found by metal detector

An incredibly rare Bronze Age artifact has been discovered by a metal detectorist in the United Kingdom.

The gold “clothes clasp” found by Jonathan Needham of Nottinghamshire during a search near Ellastone in Staffordshire is 3,000 years old and is believed to be one of only seven found in England or Wales, a British Museum report says.

The “beautifully preserved” object dates from a time when “Irish blacksmiths produced some of the most exquisite goldwork in Europe” and illustrates cultural connections between Ireland and Britain during the Bronze Age.

British Museum scientist Laura Perucchetti and curator Neil Wilkin confirmed that the object was used to hold clothing together.

“The large, enigmatic closure consists of a massive, cast, arch-shaped body that connects two elaborately raised, cone-shaped ports,” the report says. “It may have been worn on the body to hold together an important person’s cloak, skirt or dress.”

Evidence of the owner comes from the good workmanship. Around 3,000 years ago, such pieces were only owned by wealthy people.

The incredibly rare clasp will likely be purchased by a museum where it can be displayed.

Needham said he was “amazed” when he discovered the object in an interview with the BBC.

“We smashed what we found into the roof,” he said.

Shortly after Needham discovered the object, he gave it to Derby Museum, the BBC reported. The metal detectorist is still waiting to see how much the fastener is worth, but believes it will be a “life-changing amount,” he told the BBC.

This is not the only Bronze Age find discovered in Staffordshire, as the British Museum reports that “other notable later Bronze Age finds” were made in the “immediate area”.

These include a pair of palstaves, a type of ax from the Bronze Age, dated to between 1150 B.C. and 800 BC. Archaeologists believe that palstaves were used primarily for cutting wood, but it is likely that they were also used as weapons.

The Bronze Age received its name because of the important influence that metal had during this period and lasted from approximately 2500 BC. BC–2000 BC to around 800 BC. BC in Great Britain.

Many Bronze Age finds are notable for the precious metals from which they were made, giving archaeologists insight into the way people lived in ancient times.

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