Latest news with #LeedsMuseumsandGalleries'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
A Metal Detectorist Found a 1,200-Year-Old Cross Pendant in a Field. Its Details Are Astonishing.
Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: A medieval Saxon pendant that was once worn by a high-status figure was discovered in a field in Leeds, England. The ornament is made of silver and covered in a thin layer of gold leaf; it features an intricate interlacing design typical of Saxon style. The pendant is one of many recent discoveries that deepened researchers' understanding of Yorkshire history. In recent years, researchers have made a string of discoveries shedding light on the history of medieval Leeds, England. According to a press release from the Leeds City Council, in 2012, a metal detectorist found seven important objects, including high-quality gold jewelry that would've been worn by wealthy Saxons. In 2023, a 1,600-year-old lead coffin was discovered in a cemetery along with the remains of 60 people from the late Roman to Early Saxon period. The most recent discovery added to the list of finds is an intricate Saxon cross pendant. Though one of the four arms is broken off and the center jewel is missing, the pendant is still an incredible relic. The cross is made of silver and covered in a thin layer of gold leaf and bears a complex interlacing pattern that is typical of traditional Saxon styles. Crosses have historically been worn by various groups for various reasons, even before the rise of Christianity. For Egyptians, the ankh (often referred to as the 'first' or the 'original' cross) is a symbol of eternal life. Pagans used the (Celtic) cross in rituals worshipping the sun. The cross found in Leeds may have been a 'badge of office' for an important member of society. Kat Baxter—Leeds Museums and Galleries' curator of archaeology—explains that the design of the pendant is indicative of who would've worn it. 'The cross is beautifully decorated on both sides, which suggests it was designed to hang around the neck with the suspension loop on the missing arm,' Baxter said in the release. 'It would certainly have been worn by someone of high status and is an outward display of religious identity.' Baxter also explained that the jewelry was likely made at a time when Leeds was part of the Saxon Kingdom of Northumbria. Northumbria was one of the most important kingdoms in Anglo-Saxon England's history, extending all the way from the Irish Sea to the North Sea at its peak. The 'golden age'—or the height of religious, intellectual, and artistic achievement—in Northumbria happened between the 7th and 8th centuries. Though it was a northern powerhouse, the unity in the kingdom eventually fell apart after attacks from the Danes. Excitingly for researchers, there's still much to learn about the time period, and the pendant likely isn't the last artifact of its kind. 'There are certainly more objects out there waiting to be discovered, and responsible metal detectorists and The Portable Antiquities Scheme are playing a really important role in increasing our understanding of local history,' Baxter said. 'Without them, this beautiful piece of Saxon metalwork, and many others like it, would never have been found and made available for future generations.' The Saxon pendant has since gone through the Portable Antiquities Scheme Treasure process and is set to go on display at Leeds City Museum later this year. You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
Miami Herald
15-05-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
1,200-year-old gilded cross found by metal detectorist in UK field. ‘Remarkable'
Experts are learning more about a 'remarkable' ancient pendant unearthed in England in 2024, calling it a 'fascinating glimpse' into life in the region roughly 1,200 years ago. The Saxon pendant — a gilded pectoral cross — was discovered by a metal detectorist in a field in Leeds and is believed to date back to the eighth century, according to a May 12 news release from the Leeds City Council. Despite the cross missing its top arm and central stone, experts said it's a 'stunning example of metalwork.' The cross, made from solid silver, covered with gold leaf and decorated with an intricate pattern, was likely 'worn by someone of high status and was an outward display of religious identity,' officials said in the release. One theory is that it may have been a badge for a church leader or official, according to the release. The cross was the latest in a string of 'significant' archaeological discoveries in the region dating back to ancient Saxon and Roman cultures, according to experts. Other recent finds were a lead coffin buried for more than 1,600 years containing the remains of a wealthy woman, and the West Yorkshire Hoard — a collection of objects that included high-quality gold jewelry worn by people of 'exceptional wealth' dating from the seventh to 11th centuries, officials said. 'All of these finds are part of a puzzle which together show that Leeds was home to high-status, important individuals during the Saxon period,' said Kat Baxter, Leeds Museums and Galleries' curator of archaeology. Baxter said there are likely more objects to be discovered, adding that responsible metal detectorists play 'a really important role in increasing our understanding of local history.' The cross is ready to be displayed at Leeds City Museum later this year, according to officials.
