Historic Gold- The Mold Gold Cape

Up next in Historic Gold is the Mold Gold Cape, a mysterious artifact of beaten gold whose origins are even today still clouded in doubt. Currently held by the British Museum, the historic piece was acquired in the 19^th century and its new owners were plagued by the secrets of this artifact.

Some speculate that the Mold Gold Cape was indeed a cape to be worn by a person of fame or royalty. Others however state the piece was hammered as simply a decoration item for a more well-off family home. The Mold Gold Cape could have even been a horse breastplate. Even in its mystery, the cape that is made out of pure gold holds powerful symbolism. Researches date the Cape to around 1350-1250 BC, making the prized item almost 4,000 years

old.

Here is a photo of the cape before restoration:

Image from: http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/online_tours/britain/our_top_ten_british_treasures/the_mold_gold_cape.aspx

The British Museum had this to say about the finding the cape:

“The fragile cape broke up during recovery and the pieces were dispersed among various people. Although the British Museum acquired the greater proportion in 1836, small fragments have come to light intermittently over the years and have been reunited. Later detailed study and restoration revealed the full form of the cape, which at one time had been interpreted as a peytrel (chest ornament) for a horse. It also became apparent that a second, smaller object in matching embossed style was present in the grave.”

And here is a photo of what the Cape may have looked like in use:

Image from: http://creativityjourney.blogspot.com/2010/08/mold-gold-cape.html