Shropshire Bulla recreation

Found in a wetland, the exceptional gold Shropshire Bulla was likely a votive offering placed there millennia ago to honour the wondrous gifts of water and light.

The Bulla is one of the most important metal detecting finds of the last century.  Dating from circa 1000 BC and discovered in May 2018 by an anonymous metal detectorist, the pendant is intricately engraved with opposing triangular motifs. It creates a glistening series of star bursts in homage to the sacred Sun. It is the only extant jewel of its form.

In 2020, the British Museum acquired the find through the Treasure Act for £250,000. It will remain there for study before going on public display.

The bulla’s discovery site offered up a wealth of other finds, including axe heads, spears and elaborate chariot fittings, signally the location’s cultural and religious significance over  millennia. These finds will be shown in a new exhibition named ‘Sun & Fire – Life and death at the dawn of history’ at the Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, from November 2024 to April 2025.

The detectorist who found the jewel and Wartski have combined to commission a replica of the bulla, made by British goldsmith  Matt Barlow, to be shown in the exhibition and remain permanently at the Shrewsbury Museum.

Embracing the skill of his Bronze Age predecessors, Matt attempted to follow their techniques and use similar tools when making his replica.

Wartski is delighted to help keep a representation of this extraordinary Bronze Age treasure in the county whose soil gifted it to us. Supporting goldsmithing in the United Kingdom.