Archaeologists say a 4,000-year-old tool kit found among the grave of a Bronze Age spiritual leader was used for working with gold.
- A Bronze Age burial site in Wiltshire contained the skeletons of two people
- One was buried with stone and metal artefacts indicating they were a shaman
- Scientists have analysed these and found traces of gold on the surface
- This suggests the shaman was also a skilled goldsmith and metalworker
The stone tool kit was found near Stonehenge more than two centuries ago but its use until now has been unknown.
Archaeologists from the University of Leicester detected traces of gold on their surface, indicating they were once used as hammers or anvils for metalworking. Pictured: Gold traces on stone used for polishing and smoothing
Researchers at the University of Leicester have re-examined grave goods discovered within the burial and found they were gold-working tools.
Lead author Dr Rachel Crellin said the discovery was “really exciting”.
The tools were first found at the Upton Lovell G2a Bronze Age burial, which was excavated in 1801.
They are now on display at the Wiltshire Museum in Devizes where Dr Christina Tsoraki, from the University of Leicester, carried out wear-analysis of the grave goods.
She noticed what appeared to be gold residues on their surfaces and concluded the stone tools had been used for a range of different purposes.
‘Highley skilled craftsman’
Some were used like hammers and anvils whereas others had been used to smooth other materials, Dr Tsoraki said.
The University of Leicester also worked alongside experts from the University of Southampton on the project.
The Wiltshire Museum said the man buried at Upton Lovell near Stonehenge, was a “highly skilled craftsman” who specialised in making gold objects.
The grave also consisted of a ceremonial cloak decorated with pierced animal bones which the museum say hints that he was a “spiritual leader” and one of the few people in the early Bronze Age who understood the magic of metal-working.
Dr Crellin, from the University of Leicester, said “At the recent ‘World of Stonehenge’ exhibition at the British Museum, we know that the public was blown away by the amazing 4000-year-old goldwork on display.
“What our work has revealed is the humble stone toolkit that was used to make gold objects thousands of years ago.”
RELEVANT STONEHENGE LINKS:
Experts claim breakthrough in ancient Stonehenge tool kit puzzle – BBC NEWS
Ancient goldsmith’s toolkit found near Stonehenge – DAILY MAIL
4,000-year-old ‘shaman’ burial near Stonehenge has a golden secret – LIVE SCIENCE
Visit Stonehenge with the experts and hear all the latest discoveries and theories – STONEHENGE GUIDED TOURS
3,800-Year-Old Toolkit Unearthed Near Stonehenge Was Used to Work Gold – ANCIENT ORIGINS
4000-YEAR-OLD GOLD WORKING TOOL KIT IDENTIFIED FROM BARROW NEAR STONEHENGE – DAILY HERITAGE
Archaeologists say find near Stonehenge is ancient goldsmith’s toolkit – THE GUARDIAN
Private Guided Tours of Stonehenge with local expert tour guides – STONEHENGE AND SALISBURY GUIDED TOURS
The Stonehenge News Blog
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest Stonehenge News
http://www.Stonehenge.News