Chance find in Holderness clay helps tell story of Stonehenge
DISCOVERED BY CHANCE: The Roos Carr figures
Ancient wooden figures found by chance in the East Riding have gone on display at the British Museum as part of the UK’s first major exhibition on Stonehenge.
The Roos Carr figures, dating back 2,600 years, were part of an accidental discovery by labourers in the Holderness village of Roos in 1836.
They have now been loaned by Hull & East Riding Museum and are among more than 430 ancient artefacts on show in London as part of The World of Stonehenge exhibition, which aims to reveal secrets of one of the wonders of the world.
The Roos Carr figures were about two metres below the surface when labourers cleaning a ditch came across a collection of well-preserved wooden objects, including several warrior figures with stone eyes, a wooden box and a serpent-headed boat.
Four of the figures, together with the boat and various other attachments which seemed to be arms, paddles and shields, were given to the Hull Literary and Philosophical Society and eventually became part of the collections of Hull Museums.
A fifth figure was acquired by the museum in 1902. One of the men present at the time of the discovery had apparently given the ancient doll to his daughter to play with.
The figures, which are between 35 and 41 cm tall, are carved from yew and have quartzite eyes.
AWE-INSPIRING: Stonehenge
In the 19th century, four of the figures were fixed into the boat, with the arms, shields and paddles glued or nailed on wherever they seemed to fit.
Following radio-carbon testing, the figures were found to be around 2,600 years old. This places them in the Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age.
Modern archaeologists believe the figures represent offerings, perhaps to gods or ancestors.
The fact that they were recovered from a layer of blue clay suggests they were originally deposited in or near water. This would be in keeping with the wider European cult practice of depositing items such as metalwork in rivers, marshes and other marginal land.
There are nine other surviving comparable figures in Britain and Ireland, ranging in date from about 2,500 BC to 148 BC.
The Stonehenge exhibition features loans from museums across Europe, including Hull.
Councillor Marjorie Brabazon, chair of Hull Culture and Leisure, said: “These figures are a much-loved and important part of our collection at the Hull & East Riding Museum.
ANCIENT: One of the Roos Carr figures
“I’m delighted that they can be viewed and enjoyed by a new audience at the British Museum.”
In its introduction to the exhibition, the British Museum said: “Towering above the Wiltshire countryside, Stonehenge is perhaps the world's most awe-inspiring ancient stone circle.
“Shrouded in layers of speculation and folklore, this iconic British monument has spurred myths and legends that persist today.
“In this special exhibition, the British Museum will reveal the secrets of Stonehenge, shining a light on its purpose, cultural power and the people that created it.”
The exhibition runs from 17 February until 17 July.
You can find out more about The World of Stonehenge exhibition here, and more on the Roos Carr figures here.