Description

Summary: 1 bronze dagger (Wessex type 1) with six rivet holes (four rivets left) and three grooves either side of a large rounded central ridge with dotted 'Pointille' decoration, found with a primary cremation in Bowl Barrow Wilsford G23, excavated by William Cunnington

Research results

A Bronze Age copper alloy dagger excavated by William Cunnington from bowl barrow Wilsford G23. One of two daggers found with a cremation burial, the form of dagger can be dated to c. 1950-1700 BC, however the punched 'Pointille' decoration running down the central rib of the blade is a feature of latter dagger types, suggesting a date in the later end of this range. A copper alloy hook corroded onto one face of the blade is also significant, suggesting that one possible use for the bone hooks commonly found in Early Bronze Age graves was to attach sheaths to belts. In addition to the daggers were found a pin, whetstone and possible flute - made from the radius of a crane.

This object was examined as part of the research published in Ritual in Early Bronze Age Grave Goods; a six-year research project carried out by Professor John Hunter and Dr Anne Woodward and funded by the Leverhulme Trust. Aided by a large number of other specialists the pair undertood an exhuastive study examining over 1000 objects held in 13 museums across the country in order to provide an extensive overview of burial practices in the period and identify regional practices.