Irish museum solves mystery of Bronze Age axe heads delivered in porridge box
Two Early Bronze Age axe heads were found in County Westmeath by farmer Thomas Dunne, who sent them to the National Museum of Ireland. The museum is studying their metal origins.
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Two Early Bronze Age axe heads, dating from around 2150-2000 BC, were anonymously sent to the National Museum of Ireland in a porridge box. The mystery sender has been identified as a farmer from County Westmeath, Thomas Dunne, who discovered the artefacts while using a metal detector on his land. He found the axe heads while searching for a piece of metal that had fallen from his mower. The museum had initially appealed for information regarding the location of the find, as this could provide insights into the historical context of the artefacts. Dunne's discovery occurred in a field near ancient forts, and he expressed surprise at the significance of the items, initially mistaking them for remnants of a horseshoe. The museum is conducting an international study on Bronze Age metalwork and aims to trace the origins of the metals used in such artefacts. It is illegal in Ireland to search for archaeological objects without permission, but Dunne is not expected to face charges. The museum emphasized the importance of public cooperation in preserving Ireland's archaeological heritage and the need to understand the context of such discoveries to enhance knowledge of ancient settlements.
- Two Bronze Age axe heads were found in County Westmeath, Ireland.
- The artefacts were sent anonymously to the National Museum of Ireland.
- The discovery was made by a farmer using a metal detector on his land.
- The museum is studying the origins of the metals used in the axe heads.
- It is illegal to search for archaeological objects in Ireland without permission.
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7 commentsWritten permission from who? He was on his own farmland. You have to write a plea to the government to request permission to use a metal detector on your own land? And, if that's the case, are such requests usually granted? What's the rationale here, and what harms does this permission-first system aim to prevent?
> It is understood, however, that Dunne will not face charges.
If it's a bad law that they're making a point of not enforcing, why not repeal the law?
So many questions.
I wonder what they implied there.
Good grief.
My excitement grew exponentially as the words went by, until it crashed at once.
Hopefully though the secrets of that collapse would be unveiled in the coming years.
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