West Midlands History and Archaeology
Human History CollectionThis collection dates from Prehistory to Post-Medieval periods with material from 61 sites in the West Midlands area. It includes unique finds and in many cases excavation records. Those sites are of a huge range, from fortifications to urban sites, with Mesolithic period flint tools to Roman tiles and Medieval metalwork. This collection was acquired largely as a result of active fieldwork by both museum staff and those from external organisations since the 1950s.
Includes:
- the Anglo-Saxon Staffordshire hoard, consisting of over 3,500 artefacts and fragments dating from the 7th century, made from gold, silver and copper alloy, decorated with garnet and fine filigree
- a 500,000 year old hand axe from Saltley, representing the earliest Palaeolithic artefact from the Midlands region
- a 14th century communion cruet from Weoley Castle
- collections from the east European early Neolithic settlement at Vinca and the early Bronze Age cemetery site of Vounous in Cyprus.
Please be aware that objects from our collections are not always on public display.Â
If you are hoping to view a specific object or collection, please check the ‘Highlights' or 'What to See’ pages on our venue websites for current display information for that venue. Alternatively, feel free to contact us before your visit.