The National Museum of Ireland is seeking public assistance to learn more about the find location of two Early Bronze Age axeheads anonymously sent to the museum by post, so that it can better understand their significance.
The Irish Antiquities Division of the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) is appealing to the public for information regarding two Early Bronze Age axeheads, dating from approximately 2150–2000 BC. These artefacts were sent anonymously to the museum at the end of June, carefully packaged in foam cut-outs and cardboard.
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Accompanied by a letter, the sender indicated that the axeheads were discovered together in the Westmeath area using a metal detector. However, no contact details or further specifics were provided, leaving the exact location of the finds unknown.
Experts at the National Museum identified these artefacts as flat axeheads from the Early Bronze Age. Such significant discoveries can contribute to our knowledge of Ireland’s distant past. However, to fully appreciate these 4,000-year-old artefacts and to understand their context, it’s crucial to know the exact location where they were found. The contexts of such discoveries help piece together ancient settlement patterns and cultural practices; for instance, hoards or collections of objects were often deliberately placed in specific locations for a variety of reasons, including ritualistic motives.
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The National Museum is appealing to the individual who sent these axeheads to contact the museum staff. Any information about their discovery will be treated in the utmost confidentiality and used solely to verify the find location and its circumstances.
The museum is currently participating in an international study of Bronze Age metalwork, aiming to trace the origins of the metals used in such artefacts. Information about the find spot of these axeheads could provide critical data for this research.
Matt Seaver, Assistant Keeper of Irish Antiquities at the National Museum, expressed his excitement:
“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.”
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Any information supplied by the finder or the landowner will be treated in confidence. He also reminded the public of the importance of reporting such 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.”
The museum also wishes to remind the public about the regulations surrounding the use of metal detectors. The unregulated and inappropriate use of detection devices causes serious damage to Ireland’s archaeological heritage and is subject to severe penalties under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014, including imprisonment and/or fines. It is illegal to dig or excavate for archaeological objects anywhere in the State without prior written ministerial consent. All archaeological finds without a known owner are the property of the State and are preserved as part of Ireland’s collective heritage in national and designated museums. More information on this topic is available on the National Museum of Ireland’s website.
>>> RELATED: Westmeath farmer identifies find location of Bronze Age axeheads sent anonymously to the National Museum
Anyone with information about these axeheads or other archaeological discoveries is urged to contact the museum by email at antiquitiesdo@museum.ie or call 01-6777444.
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