A rare Bronze Age axe head, thought to be more than 3,500 years old, has gone on display at Oriel Môn.

The significant discovery was made by local metal detectorist Paul Rowlands in a field near Llanfaethlu in 2020.

The local finds liaising officer confirmed it was a cast flanged axe dating to the Arreton metalworking tradition at the end of the early Bronze Age (circa 1800-1500 B.C.).

Oriel Môn Collections and Buildings Manager, Ian Jones said: “This prehistoric bronze axe head is in remarkable condition and still has a sharp working edge. This is a rare discovery – only a few of its type have ever been found in North Wales.”

He added, “We are extremely grateful to Mr Rowlands for depositing the axe to Oriel Môn’s museum collection, where it is now on display for all to enjoy.”

Still razor sharp after thousands of years, the copper-alloy cast tool measures 12cm in length. The axe has shallow hammered flanges along its sides, a feature which helped it fit in a wooden handle.

Anglesey’s Education and the Welsh Language Portfolio Holder, Councillor Ieuan Williams, explained, “It’s fantastic that Oriel Môn have been able to display this significant find. It helps us to recognize and celebrate a part of Anglesey’s rich history.”

He added. “Responsible metal detecting has long been uncovering hidden treasures on the island. I’m pleased that finds like this are on display, free of charge at Oriel Môn.”

The advent of the Bronze Age (around 2500 to 800 B.C.) saw rapid technological development. The manufacture of tools and weapons increased; and specialised equipment emerged for domestic use, woodworking and metalworking.

Axes were used mainly for the clearance of land, farming and shaping wood, although they could also be used in ceremonial practices and battles.

The axe head can be seen as part of a display of locally found prehistoric axes in the History Gallery at Oriel Môn. The Oriel is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm and admission is free.

For further information please contact 01248 724 444 / www.orielmon.org / oriel@ynysmon.llyw.cymru

Ends 26 August 2022

Note to editors

Anglesey County Council are currently preparing a metal detecting policy which will limit metal detecting on its land to members of the National Council for Metal Detecting (NCMD). It will encourage responsible metal detecting and a consistent approach to requests received in relation to council land.

It will require detectorists to register their finds with recognised programmes such as the Portable Antiquities Scheme.