'Exciting' to see hundreds of Stonehenge artefacts go on loan

Hundreds of unique artefacts discovered at Stonehenge have been loaned to an archaeological museum in Germany as part of an "exciting" special exhibition.

The exhibition, entitled Stonehenge: Ancient Secrets, New Discoveries is now on display at the Archaeological State Collection in Munich until August next year.

Roughly 600 objects including antler picks, animal bones, hammer stones, earrings and a dagger have been lent by institutions including The Salisbury Museum and Wiltshire Museum.

Dr Heiner Schwarzberg, museum curator, said that Stonehenge was "a wonder of the world" and that it was an "honour" to host the exhibition.

"The exhibition has a lovely balance between mystery and new scientific discoveries and the visitors have come out in amazement," he added.

"It's not only an exhibition about Stonehenge itself, it's also about the people of Stonehenge.

"We've been really pleased with the response so far."

Adrian Green, director at Salisbury Museum, was present at the opening and said it had been "very exciting to see the items on display in Germany for the first time".

"Stonehenge is an international icon. To have it on display is a great way of showcasing not only the monument but the items discovered there."

The Wiltshire Museum in Devizes loaned about 40 pieces for the exhibition, including a large copper dagger.

Director David Dawson said the item had significance to both Wiltshire and Bavaria.

"The dagger was one of three burial objects found at Roundway Down, near Devizes.

"It is the largest copper dagger ever found in Britain, and the copper we know comes from the Eastern Alps, not too far from Munich."

He added loaning pieces to other institutions was vital to supporting the local economy and spreading knowledge across borders.

"It encourages visitors to come to Wiltshire, to come and see Stonehenge and to spend their money in Wiltshire."

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