MotM – The Novium Museum

Museum name: The Novium Museum

Location: Chichester

Spotlight on: Bringing the ‘Mystery Warrior’ to Life

@TheNovium is home to the most elaborately equipped Iron Age Warrior discovered in England. Key to his interpretation is a photoreal visualisation commissioned as part of a @NLHF funded project. Find out more about the making of the image here https://www.thenovium.org/visualisation @AncientDead

The Story:

The Novium Museum is home to the most elaborately equipped Iron Age Warrior to have been discovered in England. This nationally important burial was discovered during excavations in advance of a housing development in North Bersted, near Bognor Regis in 2008 and was acquired by the museum in 2018 after years of post-excavation research and conservation.

The burial contained a range of artefacts including a sword, shield and spearhead. In addition, a helmet customised with beautiful openwork crests, was also discovered. Locally made jars produced in the style of pottery from Normandy had been placed at his head, whilst broken bowls of a local origin, but also modelled on bowls from the continent had been smashed at his feet, possibly as part of a toast or connected to a funeral feast.

The museum was awarded grant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to tell his fascinating story in a headline exhibition alongside a series of accompanying community engagement events and activities.

Key to his interpretation was, and still is, a photoreal visualisation by digital heritage specialist Artas Media Ltd. In the development stages of the exhibition, we were mindful that not everyone would be able to visualise the full impact this individual would have had when equipped with his full suite of armour, designed to intimidate, and express authority, importance, and power.

Using archaeological evidence, contemporary sources, and advice from a team of world-renowned experts the ‘Mystery Warrior’ and his spectacular suite of weaponry was brought to life through this stunning representation.

 

Find out more about the making of the image here https://www.thenovium.org/visualisation @AncientDead