Metal detectorist donates medieval dagger artefact to Rugby museum
Early medieval scabbard chape goes on display
An early medieval dagger scabbard chape discovered in Warwickshire has been donated to Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, where it is now on display.
The artefact was unearthed by metal detectorist Kathy Bonehill on the edge of a farmer's field in Kings Newnham earlier this year.
Dating back to AD400 to AD600, the near-complete copper-alloy chape has been classified as a 'find of note' by the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme, which records archaeological finds across England and Wales.
The chape, which is a decorative tip for a dagger's scabbard, features intricate designs, including a human face flanked by a pair of birds. It is thought the birds may represent Odin, the chief Norse god, and his ravens, Huginn and Muninn. Additional ring-and-dot motifs run along the lower edge of the birds and through the human figure's 'body.'
Weighing nine grams, the chape measures 3.5cm in length, 2.5cm in width, and just under a centimetre in thickness at its widest part.
Reliving her discovery, Kathy said: "I’ve been metal detecting in the Warwickshire countryside with a regular group for a couple of years, uncovering some fascinating items along the way, yet nothing compares to this stunning dagger chape.
"I found it on the very edge of a farmer's field in Kings Newnham. At first, it was clagged with dirt, its beautiful detail hidden beneath layers of grime.
"Only after an hour of patient work with a wooden cocktail stick did the design begin to emerge - and I realised I was holding something truly special, perhaps even unique.
"There's a thrill in moments like this. The slow reveal of craftsmanship long buried, the sense of connection to lives lived centuries ago."
Councillor Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships and wellbeing, praised the donation.
"There's amazing history lying undiscovered in our borough, and Kathy's generous donation means we can share this important find with visitors to Rugby Art Gallery and Museum," she said.
The museum’s display of the chape follows its acquisition of a medieval brooch discovered near Birdingbury, supported by funding from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund.
Councillor Neil Sandison added: "What a marvellous find. This provides evidence of Viking activity in medieval Warwickshire. Thank you to Kathy for donating it."