The discovery of the first Bronze Age razor in Northumberland has provided intriguing insights into the grooming habits of men who lived in the area between 1,000 and 800 B.C. This unique find suggests that at least some local men from that era practiced shaving, as experts from Newcastle University's Museum of Antiquities have noted.
The razor is a part of the Collette Hoard, which was discovered by John Minns of Arbroath in April 2005 and subsequently displayed at the Museum of Antiquities. Mr. Minns reported his find to Philip Walton, the finds officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme program at the Museum of Antiquities. The collection was later sent to Bronze Age expert Stuart Needham at the British Museum for analysis.
The exceptional condition of the items within the hoard surprised experts and is believed to offer valuable insights into the Late Bronze Age.
Lindsay Allason-Jones, the director of archaeology at Newcastle University Museums, commented, "Late Bronze Age hoards containing such a variety of objects in such good condition are very rare in the north of England, so this is an extremely important find."
The treasure comprises items that may have been used for personal adornment, such as six gold lock rings believed to have served as hair ornaments, along with bracelets, rings, and pins. An analysis of the lock rings, crafted from fine gold leaf wrapped around a solid core, revealed that beeswax was used in their creation. Lindsay noted that further analysis of the beeswax could provide insights into the Late Bronze Age environment.
In addition to ornamental items, the hoard includes practical objects, including six axes with sleeves that could have had uses in woodworking or as weapons. The hoard also contains the first known notch with sleeves, a tool used by craftsmen, discovered in Northumberland. Analysis of one of the axe handles determined that it was made of walnut wood and dated to between 1,000 and 840 B.C. An ingot found in the hoard was composed of a bronze alloy, in contrast to the copper typically used for ingots of that period, suggesting that metal processing was a significant aspect of Late Bronze Age life in Northumberland.
The manner in which the objects were buried together remains a mystery to Lindsay and her colleagues. "This hoard does not match what we already know from other similar finds," she explained. It was found in a shallow pit, with fragments of earthenware found around the items, suggesting that they may have been covered by a clay vessel. However, it is challenging to determine whether this was an offering to a deity or the hidden treasure of a Bronze Age founder, intended to be retrieved at a later time.
The Collette treasure was displayed at the Museum of Antiquities until June 30, 2007, offering a glimpse into this intriguing chapter of ancient history.