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Shropshire Bulla to go on display

This 3,000 year-old sun pendant is to go on public display for the first time since its discovery at Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery in September. It was found by an unnamed detectorist on 12 May 2018 in the Shropshire Marches. It is recorded at the PAS as HESH-43148A.

Bulla

The Bulla dates to c 1000 – 750 BC. It is a hollow pendant of sheet gold which would probably have been word as an adornment. The skills deployed in the construction and decoration represents the highest skill and expertise seen within decorated metalwork of the period. This is only the eighth bulla discovered to date in Britain and Ireland (cf. Cahill 2018, for an overview of previous discoveries). It is only the second to have been found in England, the others being from Ireland.

I’ve seen the bulla a few times. The most incredible thing about it is its condition; how it managed to survive for 3,000 years and look so good is amazing. 

Public display

It will be hosted at Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery from September until December as a British Museum Spotlight Loan.

Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s portfolio holder for communities, place, tourism and Transport, said: “This Shropshire sun pendant is truly an incredible find and one of huge importance. We are delighted that this item, which is 3,000 years old, will go on show to the public for the first time at the Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery. This is an exceptionally rare depiction of the sun and undoubtedly one of the most significant finds from the Bronze Age in more than a century.

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