A FARMER who found a bronze sculpture buried in a ditch on her land has discovered that it is actually worth thousands of pounds.
The landowner, who asked to remain anonymous, discovered the ancient impression of the head of Medusa several years ago but a recent valuation confirmed the stunning price tag.
The farmer found the bronze sculpture in a ditch
The head of Medusa is a popular image in ancient art
After discovering the relic on her land in Somerset, she reportedly kept it in a draw for around six years before putting it up for auction.
She said: “I dug it up when I was digging a ditch in my field about six years ago. I didn’t know what it was at first but realised it was very old.
A valuation for the sale revealed it to be worth between £1,500 and £2,000.
If you find an item officially defined as treasure (one which is over 300 years old and made of precious metal like gold or silver), it is a legal requirement to report it to the district coroner.
Museums can then buy it from the government but the finder can expect a reward.
If the item is not treasure but is of historical interest it can be reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
This is only a recording scheme and the finder is allowed to keep their discovery.
The retired farmer added: “I hope a museum bids for it as I think it deserves to be on public display.
“If it doesn’t sell, I would be happy to have it back as I have always liked it.”
It is thought to date to the Roman period and will go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers’ Fine Art Sale in Etwall, Derbyshire this week.
Charles Hanson, owner of the auctioneer, said: “It’s a wonderful find which demonstrates the forgotten history beneath our feet.
“It sweeps us back through the centuries to ancient Greek mythology.“
Medusa is a creature in Greek mythology who used to be a beautiful woman but was cursed by the goddess Athena for violating her temple after the god Poseidon seduced her on the altar.
She was said to have snakes for hair and turn people to stone with her gaze.
In the myth the hero Perseus beheaded Medusa and gave her head to Athena to put on the goddess’ shield.
As such, images and sculptures of the severed head were common in ancient art.
Mr Hanson said: “Examples of Medusa heads are occasionally discovered around the world in countries such as Greece, Turkey and, of course, the UK.”
More recently, Medusa has become a symbol of female power and sexual assault survivors as the story implies that Poseidon raped her in the temple.
Tattoos of the feared creature are a common body mod for victims of sexual crimes to represent the strength of survivors.
Medusa tattoos have become a symbol of female power and the strength of sexual assault survivors
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