A shield discovered during a housing development in Pocklington has been hailed as the 'most significant Iron Age find this century.'
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Pocklington Iron Age shield following cleaning and restoration work [Credit: MAP Archaeological Practice] |
The remarkably preserved bronze shield was found laid face down in the cart of an upright chariot, which had been drawn by two ponies.
The skeleton of a post 46-year-old male was laid upon the shield and is considered to be the shield’s owner.
Experts say it is the most important British Celtic art object of the Millennium.
Specialist conservation has revealed a swirling La Tène style architecture, typical of early Celtic art, said Paula Ware, from MAP Archaeological Practice who carried out an excavation on behalf of Persimmon Homes.
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The Iron Age shield emerges during excavation [Credit: MAP Archaeological Practice] |
“The magnitude and preservation of the Pocklington chariot burial has no British parallel, providing a greater insight into the Iron Age epoch,” she said.
“The shield features a scalloped border. This previously unknown design feature is not comparable to any other Iron Age finds across Europe, adding to its valuable uniqueness.
“The popular belief is that elaborate metal-faced shields were purely ceremonial, reflecting status, but not used in battle. Our investigation challenges this with the evidence of a puncture wound in the shield typical of a sword. Signs of repairs can also be seen, suggesting the shield was not only old but likely to have been well-used,” said Paula.
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The complete chariot - with horses - found during the dig in Pocklington [Credit: David Keys] |
Persimmon Homes Yorkshire, who own the find, said it was planning to donate the discovery to a museum.
Scott Waters, director in charge at Persimmon Homes Yorkshire, said: “The excavation at The Mile development is a truly magnificent discovery for British history and we feel this recognition and find should remain in the local area.”
The full academic find is expected to be published in the spring, said a spokesperson.
“Excavation is now complete, and construction of the new development, which features a collection two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, is under way, with many customers already moving into their homes
Author: Mike Laycock | Source: The York Press [December 05, 2019]
* This article was originally published here
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