11,000-Year-Old Pendant Identified as Britain's Oldest Mesolithic Artwork

Artistic relics from early Stone Age Britain are exceptionally scarce, despite the abundance of practical tools unearthed by archaeologists. This scarcity makes the recent find of a shale pendant adorned with intricate engravings at North Yorkshire's Star Carr site particularly thrilling. Dating back 11,000 years, this pendant stands as the oldest Mesolithic art ever found in Britain, AOL reports. Such engraved artifacts from this era are also exceedingly rare across Europe.

A study

published in Internet Archaeology reveals that the shale pendant was almost missed during its initial discovery last year. Hidden beneath layers of sediment, its engravings and perforation were invisible, causing it to blend in with ordinary rocks. After careful cleaning, the ancient markings that distinguish this pendant were revealed.

The study highlights that while perforated amber, bird bones, and animal teeth have been found at Star Carr—a site first excavated by a local amateur archaeologist in 1948 and continuously explored since 2004—this pendant marks the first instance of engraved artwork discovered there.

The identity of the Star Carr pendant's wearer and the purpose behind its creation remain unknown. The engravings on the pendant are equally enigmatic, with archaeologists speculating they could depict a tree, a leaf, or even a form of map.

Archaeologist Nicky Milner suggests that the pendant might have been owned by a shaman, pointing to the discovery of red deer antler headdresses nearby, believed to have been used by shamans. While the exact meaning of the engravings is uncertain, similar engraved amber pendants found in Denmark have been linked to spiritual protection amulets.

Barry Taylor, co-director of the excavations, highlights the significance of this find, noting that it not only represents one of the earliest examples of engraved art but also provides insights into daily life during the Early Mesolithic period. The pendant offers a rare connection to an individual from that era, bridging the gap between modern archaeologists and ancient people.

Taylor emphasizes that while prehistoric studies often focus on vast timelines and broad themes, artifacts like the pendant reveal personal stories. “This is something someone wore, something meaningful to them and their community. Such discoveries remind us that archaeology is ultimately about understanding people,” he explains.

The pendant will be exhibited at the Yorkshire Museum in England until May 5.