AN almost pure gold ornament found in near Alston and dating back to the early bronze age has been declared as treasure by a coroner. An inquest at County Hall in Morpeth heard that the 33mm long ornament, thought to be a hair tress or a decorative piece worn on clothing, dates back to 2400BC and is a “very early example of metalwork.” It has been described as one of the earliest metal objects found in the UK. The artefact, made of almost pure gold, was found at Kirkhaugh Cairns near Alston in 2014 by four youngsters. According to a report by Eleanor Cox of the British Museum, is the partner of a matching object found at the site in 1935, during an excavation led by Herbet Maryon.
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