Roman bracelets found in Anglesey declared treasure!

This week, a significant archaeological discovery has been announced in North Wales, as a pair of Roman bracelets has been declared as treasure by Acting Coroner for North Wales (East & Central), Kate Robertson.

The bracelets, crafted from copper alloy, were unearthed by metal detectorist Andrew Hutchinson in Llanddyfnan back in September last year. Following the discovery, Hutchinson promptly handed over the artifacts to the Dyfed Archaeological Trust, who then facilitated their examination by expert curators from Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales.

These ancient adornments bear a striking resemblance to others found in various locations including Conwy, Powys, and Plunton Castle in Dumfries and Galloway, indicating a broader cultural connection. Based on comparisons, it's believed that these bracelets likely date back to the 2nd century AD.

Photo Credit: Museum Wales

What makes these bracelets particularly intriguing is the presence of a "triskele" symbol, commonly associated with Iron Age Celtic designs but also found in artifacts from the Neolithic, Bronze Ages, and even Greek antiquity. This amalgamation of cultural symbols offers a fascinating glimpse into the blending of cultures during the Roman occupation of Britain.

Evan Chapman, senior curator of archaeology at Amgueddfa Cymru, remarked on the significance of these bracelets, highlighting how they represent the convergence of native and Roman design and cultural traditions.

The Oriel Ynys Mon Museum has expressed interest in acquiring the find for its collection, pending valuation by the Treasure Valuation Committee. Ian Jones, building and collections manager at the museum, emphasized the importance of this discovery, especially considering the previous scarcity of Roman material in their collection. He anticipates that these bracelets will captivate museum visitors and serve as valuable educational tools.