'Work of the Gods' on display in Wiltshire

by Derry Nairn

A collection of gold artefacts excavated from a Bronze Age grave near Stonehenge is to go on show in the Wiltshire Heritage Museum for the first time in over 25 years.

One of the pieces, a decoration for the handle of a dagger, was put aside in the desk drawer of an archaeological professor in the 1960s, only to be 'unearthed' again recently. As well as this collection of gold pins, there are decorative items such as a gold lozenge and a gold belt-hook, as well as a bronze axe head and two daggers.

The artefacts come from the 'Bush Barrow' grave of a warrior chief. It is thought to be almost 4,000 years old. They were originally excavated in 1808 and are said to have been manufactured in Ireland.

David Dawson, the Museum director, said:

It's an unbelievable find. The gold studs are remarkable evidence of the skill and craftsmanship of Bronze Age goldsmiths - quite rightly described as 'the work of the gods'

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