What a discovery!
A "once-in-a-lifetime" discovery has been made in a village near Northampton after a 1,300-year-old necklace made of gold and precious stones was dug up by archaeologists. The necklace, dated to between 630–670 AD, is part of an elite female burial containing other intriguing grave items.
It was found as part of a high-status female burial containing other intriguing grave goods that are still being investigated. A rectangular pendant with a cross forms the centrepiece of the necklace and is the largest and most intricate element. Made of red garnets set in gold, MOLA specialists believe it was originally half of a hinged clasp before it was re-used.
The soil blocks are currently being micro-excavated by conservators, but this large and ornate piece suggests the woman may have been an early Christian leader. The skeleton itself has fully decomposed, except for tiny fragments of tooth enamel. However, the combination of grave goods suggests this was a very devout high-status woman such as an abbess, royalty, or perhaps even both.
But for now, painstaking begins for MOLA Conservators to examine and conserve the finds. This includes identifying and recording traces of organic remains within the burial and on the surface of the artefacts. "Vistry's planned development provided a unique opportunity to investigate this site. Had they not funded this work this remarkable burial may never have been found.”
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