Prehistory

About the collection

The rivers and springs, and the rich plant and animal life they supported attracted mankind to Ryedale from earliest times. Although details during this massive period of history changed over time, people used the local resources to make tools and build places to live, hunted and fished, made pots, and collected and cooked their food.

The museum holds an interesting collection of objects from each period including flint, Neolithic stone tools, hand axes, and pottery. Firm favourites in the collection include two Iron Age chalk figures which were found near Malton’s Lady Spring. They depict warriors carrying their swords down their backs. It is suggested they may have had religious significance.

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Items within the collection

Chalk Figure

One of two chalk figures, dating from the Iron Age, found in Malton. It is thought they were only made in Yorkshire, where more than 50 have been found, all different but equally fascinating. If you look closely you can see the face, a sword and belt etched into the stone suggesting they represent warriors, but who owned them and why remains something of a mystery. Found near a spring, were they an offering to a god, did they stand in a household shrine, were they children’s toys, or something quite different? They are often found headless!

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Miniature Shield

Only 2.5 cm long, this miniature bronze shield dates from the late Iron Age or early Roman period. Such shields are not common and tend to be found in hoards or shrines. It's purpose is unknown, but it could have been a toy, a charm, or a votive offering.

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