British Museum announces “most important” discovery of pre-historic art in Britain in 100 years

The British Museum has announced what it describes as the “most important” discovery of pre-historic art in Britain in a century

The Burton Agnes chalk drum, a 5,000 year-old chalk sculpture, was found on a country estate of the same name in East Yorkshire

The drum is covered in an elaborate design that was popular during the time when Stonehenge was built.

The 5,000-year-old sculpture was found in an East Yorkshire grave, along with a bone pin and a chalk ball thought to be a child’s toy credit The Trustees of the British Museum

It was found near the grave of three children of different ages. The three children’s bodies were buried in an embrace, with the eldest child holding the two youngest whose hands were touching.

The drum was buried just above the head of the eldest child.

Neil Wilkin, curator of ‘The World of Stonehenge’ at the British Museum, said it was the “most important” piece of prehistoric art to be found in Britain in the last 100 years.

“This is a truly remarkable discovery, and is the most important piece of prehistoric art to be found in Britain in the last 100 years,”

He added that the scene discovered at the grave was “deeply moving”.

“The discovery of the Burton Agnes grave is highly moving. The emotions the new drum expresses are powerful and timeless, they transcend the time of Stonehenge and reflect a moment of tragedy and despair that remains undimmed after 5,000 years.”

It was unearthed by contractors from Allen Archaeology, and is now on display at the British Museum as part of its “The World of Stonehenge” exhibition.

Link to BBC report: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-60341377

Link to Art Net News: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/ancient-chalk-drum-discovery-2071538