Iron Age reaping hook - iron blade with bone handle
This well-preserved Middle Iron Age reaping hook found in Brackley, looks like an everyday farming implement, but it is a symbol of prehistoric farming. Most modern people would recognise it; such utilitarian tools change very little over thousands of years but despite its mundane first impression, this agricultural tool helps us visualise the lives of the Iron Age community.
The reaping hook comprises a curved, tanged iron blade hafted onto a bone handle. The handle shows signs of excessive wear showing that it was well-used before burial. It was so well-preserved because it was deliberately placed in clay, possibly as a ritual offering during the construction of a granary, perhaps to ensure plentiful future harvests. It is likely that this object held far greater significance to its original owners than its first impression suggests.
Brackley
Contributed by Charlotte Walker, Historic Environment Record
This flint dagger was found in a male burial in a barrow along with other grave goods. It had never been used so may have been an ornamental or ritual piece.
There is limited evidence of Viking influence in Northamptonshire and despite being minted during Viking rule this silver coin from Northampton depicts an Anglo-Saxon king.
© NMAG
©
NMAG
©
NMAG
©
NMAG
©
NMAG