Two metal detectorists in southwest England unearthed rare Anglo-Saxon gold artifacts dating back approximately 1,400 years, reported The Independent. The finds include a gold band inlaid with triangular garnets and studded with tiny beads of gold, as well as a decorative raven's head crafted from gold with garnet inlays—features indicative of the high craftsmanship of the period.
The raven's head, believed to date to the seventh century, features intricate filigree detailing and a striking garnet eye, with tiny gold spheres outlining its feather portions, according to The Independent. The beak includes finely worked features indicating the bird's nostrils. The right side missing a garnet eye.
The artifacts were discovered by Paul Gould and Chris Phillips during a rally organized by the 9th Region Metal Detecting Group in West Wiltshire, South West England. On January 8, after a largely uneventful day, Gould found a flat, circular object resembling a flattened ring as he was heading back to his car. He thought the object might be an Anglo-Saxon ring.
Shortly thereafter, fellow detectorist Chris Phillips, searching nearby, unearthed the elaborately decorated raven's head. Phillips estimated the raven's head weighed about 2 ounces (57 grams). "It's unbelievable—I'm a bit emotional," said Phillips in a video of the discovery posted to his YouTube channel, according to a report by The Independent.
Experts are uncertain of the raven head's exact purpose or symbolism, but previous research suggests that ravens symbolized darkness and death during the Germanic and Viking ages, often associated with the Norse god Odin. Ravens were frequently depicted feeding on or tearing apart the dead, reinforcing their powerful association with the brutal realities of war.
"We are not sure if it was part of a finger ring or part of something else; maybe it was attached to the drinking horn," said Phillips, adding it had all its garnets intact, as reported by The Independent. "The other side appears either to be damaged or is supposed to be like that. The iridescence still shows through."
Given the close proximity and similarities between the two gold objects, the possibility of a hoard was suggested. The organizers of the rally halted any further detecting activity in the area and contacted the landowner and the local Finds Liaison Officer (FLO), who is part of the U.K.'s Portable Antiquities Scheme.
Both artifacts were sent for assessment and appraisal and are currently being cleaned by experts at the British Museum as part of the treasure process. "The finds will go through the treasure process now, which will take a while," Phillips told Live Science in an email.
According to the UK's Treasure Act, artifacts crafted from precious metals that are at least 300 years old can qualify as treasure. The discovery site is now being investigated as a potential archaeological site due to the importance of the finds.
Similar bird-like pieces have been discovered previously, such as those in the Sutton Hoo and Staffordshire hoards, featuring garnet-inlaid eyes and distinctive beak shapes that may have symbolic references to ravens. Although exceptionally rare in Anglo-Saxon jewelry, these motifs reinforce the cultural and artistic connections of the period. It remains unclear exactly who made these artifacts, but experts say they fit with Anglo-Saxon or Scandinavian origins.
Garnet is a precious stone that was widely used in Anglo-Saxon goldsmithing, mainly from the 6th to the 8th century CE. The usage of garnet and the intricate goldwork in these artifacts suggest skilled craftsmanship and may indicate high-status ownership.
Phillips expressed hope for ongoing involvement in the investigation. "We hope to be involved in any further investigation of the site, and we will continue to detect with all the correct procedures in place," he said, according to The Independent.
The Portable Antiquities Scheme encourages members of the public to report the discovery of archaeological objects to enhance the understanding of England's history. The involvement of the local FLO ensures that such finds are properly recorded and preserved.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.