Dawlish Bronze Age Hoard
1000–700 BC
Copper alloy, gold
Description
In 2017, two metal detectorists were detecting in a marshy field near Dawlish, Devon. There, they uncovered a hoard of gold and bronze objects. The Dawlish Hoard consists of 4 gold bracelets, 11 bronze ingot fragments, 2 small tin nuggets, 2 axe fragments and a section of bronze sword. While hoards of bronze objects are relatively common, hoards of gold are rarer. A hoard containing both bronze and gold objects is rarer still.
All the finds show indications of metalwork being chopped up or deliberately damaged prior to burial. The gold bracelets were intentionally folded, and the ingots and weapons purposely broken. We don’t know why for certain, but there may have been a practice of ritually ‘killing’ the power of objects. It is possible that they were made as offerings to gods or ancestors.
Until its discovery, the Dawlish Hoard had lain buried for about 3,000 years, since the late Bronze Age. We can only speculate about who buried this treasure and why they wanted to hide it.
You can learn more about how RAMM conserved the Dawlish Hoard in a blog article for members on the museum's website.
Additional Information
- Credit
- The museum extends its thanks to the Headley Trust, Victoria and Albert Museum, Devon County Council, Refinitiv, the Friends of RAMM and Erin Cox Jewellery, all of whom made generous grants. Thanks also to local groups, including the Friends of Dawlish Library, Newton Abbot District Metal Detecting Club and the Devon Archaeological Society and the many individuals who contributed to the campaign to save the Dawlish Hoard.
- Accession Number
- 34/2019