Museum appeal after Bronze Age axeheads sent anonymously

The National Museum of Ireland has issued an appeal after 4,000-year-old Early Bronze Age axeheads were sent anonymously to the museum at the end of June.

They were accompanied by a letter stating they were discovered in the Westmeath area using a metal detector.

The museum has dated the axeheads to around 2150-2000 BC.

The sender said they wished for the axeheads to be conserved by the Museum but did not provide any contact details or further specifics.

The museum said the axeheads were “thoughtfully packed in foam cut-outs and cardboard, ensuring their safe arrival.”

It continued “Our experts at the NMI have identified these items as flat axeheads from the Early Bronze Age, a significant archaeological find that offers a glimpse into Ireland’s distant past.

“However, to fully understand and appreciate these artefacts, it’s crucial to know the exact location where they were found.

“The context of such discoveries helps archaeologists piece together ancient settlement patterns and cultural practices.

“For instance, hoards or collections of objects were often deliberately placed in specific locations for reasons that could range from ritualistic to supernatural.

“With this in mind, we are appealing to the person who sent these axeheads to reach out to us. Any information about their discovery will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and used solely to verify the find location and its circumstances.”

It is against the law to search for archaeological objects in Ireland using a metal detector unless you have received written consent from the Government.

People can be fined up to €63,486 and get up to three months in jail if found to be in breach of the law.

The museum said it is currently participating in an international study of Bronze Age metalwork to trace the origins of the metals used in such artefacts.

It said details about the find spot of these axeheads could provide critical data for this research.

Matt Seaver, Assistant Keeper of Irish Antiquities at the NMI, shared his excitement: “We are thrilled about the discovery of these Early Bronze Age axeheads, but to truly understand their significance, we need to know where they were found.”

He also reminded the public of the importance of reporting archaeological finds: “It is our legal duty to report the discovery of archaeological objects. The NMI’s role is to preserve these treasures for everyone in the State, ensuring they are available for future generations. We rely on the public’s support to achieve this.”

“We also wish to remind everyone about the regulations surrounding the use of metal detectors for searching archaeological objects. Archaeological finds without a known owner are the property of the state and are preserved as part of our collective heritage in national and designated museums.”