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Image Credit: Norfolk Museum Service
Rare Iron Age Battle Trumpet Discovered in Norfolk Hoard
A significant Iron Age hoard has been uncovered in West Norfolk, revealing rare evidence of ancient sound, warfare, and ritual practice in Britain. The discovery was made during a routine archaeological excavation carried out as part of the planning process for residential development.
The assemblage includes a near-complete carnyx—a distinctive animal-headed bronze battle trumpet—alongside fragments of a second example. Carnyces were used by Iron Age communities across Europe to project sound on the battlefield and held strong symbolic meaning, often depicted by Roman sources as war trophies.
The hoard also contains a sheet-bronze boar’s head believed to have formed part of a military standard, five shield bosses, and an iron object whose function remains uncertain. The styles represented closely parallel continental European traditions, indicating that Iron Age communities in Britain were part of wide-ranging cultural and artistic networks.
Due to the fragile condition of the objects, the hoard was lifted from the ground within a single soil block. Initial scanning documented the internal arrangement before conservation specialists carefully separated each piece for stabilization. Extensive conservation work is required before detailed research can proceed.
The find has been reported under the Treasure Act (1996) and is currently under legal review to determine its official status. Research and conservation are being coordinated by Historic England in collaboration with regional and national museum partners. Decisions regarding the hoard’s long-term curation will follow once the legal process is complete.
Published on: 07-01-2026
Edited by: Abdulmnam Samakie
Source: Euronews