Newcastle discovery featured in new stamp collection

A Bronze Age jet necklace and bracelet, excavated in 2019 as part of the Round Mounds of the Isle of Man project – a partnership between Newcastle University and the University of Leicester - has been included in the new Manx National Treasures stamp collection.

A collaboration between the Isle of Man Post Office and Manx National Heritage (MNH), the collection of six stamps celebrates some of the Isle of Man's most remarkable archaeological discoveries, spanning more than 3,500 years of the island's history. The necklace features on the £1.08 stamp, used for post from the Isle of Man to the UK up to 100 grams.

Professor Chris Fowler, Professor of Archaeology, Newcastle University said: “It’s hugely rewarding to know that this discovery – along with other significant Manx national treasures - are being celebrated in this way, and I’m delighted for the students from both Newcastle University and the University of Leicester that were involved in making this remarkable find.”

The necklace and bracelet date from c.2200-1900 BCE and were the first to be found on the Isle of Man. Less than a hundred examples are known from Britain, most of which were found in Scotland.

The necklace and bracelet were made up of 122 beads that were discovered in a grave covered by a well preserved and elaborate burial mound made of earth and stone near Kirk Michael. The position of the surviving bones suggested the body was buried lying on one side and was wearing the necklace at the time of burial.

Following the excavation, the necklace and bracelet were carefully restrung and put on public show for the first time as part of the National Treasures exhibition earlier this year at the House of Manannan museum, Peel.