In a prehistoric Celtic cremation tomb in Germany, a folded sword, some scissors, and other artefacts were discovered. A razor, belt chain, fibula, spearhead, and a portion of a shield are also included in the cache of goods. According to Live Science, based on these discoveries, scientists believe that a woman and a man were once buried nearby.
Archaeologists Accidently Discovered 2300-Year-Old Scissors
A pair of 2300-year-old scissors have been discovered in a Celtic cremation grave, by a German explosive ordnance disposal team, looking for unexploded Second World War incendiary devices, at a construction site in the Munich district of Sendling.
📷Bavarian State Office for the… pic.twitter.com/3ZTF12paJ4— Ticia Verveer (@ticiaverveer) May 2, 2023
Researchers revealed that the Celts burned the dead and buried their remains next to their possessions between the third and second centuries B.C. These artefacts were discovered by accident by the excavation team, which was initially looking for unexploded bombs from World War II. Even though the burial site was a remarkable find, it was the pair of 2300-year-old scissors that intrigued the researchers.
The Bavarian State Office for the Preservation of Monuments’ Martina Pauli, an archaeologist, noted that the scissors are in exceptionally good condition. This pair of scissors was used for cutting things, just as they are today, but they could also be used for crafts like shearing sheep or working with leather. Although the purpose of including this pair of scissors in the Celtic burial site is unclear, it is assumed that they may have held both symbolic and practical significance for the deceased.
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The Archaeologists Also Tried To Determine Their Significance
The archaeologists also found the remains of a shield, a lance tip, a razor, a fibula and a folded sword. Photo courtesy: BLfDhttps://t.co/64ZcWzwKMB pic.twitter.com/TlPbaSDUzx
— Ticia Verveer (@ticiaverveer) May 2, 2023
According to Live Science, the archaeologists suspect that the scissors, like the folded sword, may have been a weapon used in battle even though they appear to have been used for everyday tasks. It is also possible that this sword was heated and folded before being buried, rendering it useless. Possibly, it measured 30 inches in length. It’s possible that the sword’s permanent disablement was carried out to prevent grave robberies or as a precaution against the dead returning to life.
However, these grave goods show a social superiority of a sort, particularly for those whose graves were buried with such heavy metals. Given the artefacts discovered, the burial may have also belonged to a warrior. In addition to the sword and scissors, there was a belt chain that might have been used to cinch a dress or robe.
The grave goods were taken out and placed in storage for protection.
Cover Image Courtesy: Twitter/Ticia Verveer