Watch on Video or Read Below about the Treasure of the Gold Cape found at Mold.
One of the most interesting gold treasures at the British Museum is the Gold Mold Cape. It was listed as one of their top ten treasures in 2003 on BBC Television’s special episode of Meet the Ancestors.
The Mold cape was discovered in 1833 at Mold, a small town in Flintshire, Wales. A group of workmen was quarrying for stone in an ancient burial mound when they made the surprising discovery. Other artifacts and skeleton associated with the cape were also found.
It dates back to around 1600 BC.
The excellent craftsmanship of the cape was immediately noticed. The gold was beaten into shape to be worn on the shoulders and cover the upper arms and chest. The decorative design was then skillfully added to give the appearance of being lined with gold beads.
The cape was not every day wear, as it would have been too restrictive on movement. For this reason, it’s believed to have been worn for ceremonial purposes and hints to being placed in a royal grave. Who did it belong to? That remains a mystery and lost to history, as of today. Investigations and research continue to try and answer it.
Although a spectacular found treasure, parts of it are missing. When discovered the cape was in pieces and many of these were taken by different people of the time. The British Museum has worked hard at gathering as many as possible, but some are still out there. Also lost or missing treasures from the site are amber beads. Upon discovery in 1833 it was mentioned numerous amber beads were found with the Mold Cape. Today, however, only one is displayed at the British Museum.
Might those amber beads and pieces of the gold cape turn up? They could, as every now and then, relics of the past surface again. Be aware of those missing treasures and on the look out for them always. You never know when a lost treasure might cross your path.
Best of luck with all that you seek! Always Treasure the Adventure!
Photo Credits:
Photo Credit: By Mark Ramsay – https://www.flickr.com/photos/neutronboy/5005668308/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62480831