Photographer finds ancient pendant thousands of years old on beach
By Lauren Beavis via SWNS
A photographer discovered a mysterious pendant which could be thousands of years old - hidden on the beach.
Nikki Banfield, 43, found the glass 'cameo' about the size of a penny - with the depiction of a woman’s face.
They are known as 'glyptics' and associated with ancient Greece and Rome and have been around for thousands of years.
Nikki says cameos became more popular jewelry pieces throughout the Victorian period.
She captures images from her local environment in Isles of Scilly where she found the curio.
She adopted her name The BareFoot Photographer due to venturing without shoes.
Nikki said: "I always find when I'm on the beach and am not looking for things that that is when I find things.
"I spotted what I thought was a button at first glance.
"But upon scooping it up, and holding it up to the light, I realized it was something very different.
"We think this is a miniature glass cameo, rather than an intaglio - as the miniature head in the piece is raised, whereas in an intaglio, the design would be imprinted."
Nikki is meeting with a curator in the local Scilly museum to see if they can confirm the mystery around the object.
On Saturday (21 Sep) Nikki discovered the tiny object which makes up the size of a drawing pin head, whilst walking up Town beach.
Nikki explained: "It is about the right size to have been used in a small piece of jewelry, either a ring or a necklace.
"Collectively known as glyptics, and most strongly associated with ancient Greece and Rome, cameo and intaglio have been around for thousands of years.
"Often used as talismans and for protection, they were carved with images of deities, mythological figures, animals, loved ones and narrative scenes."
Nikki added: "The optimist and romantic in me would love to think it was something ancient, with a wonderful story.
"But whatever it turns out to be it'll still be a hugely special find, as its beautiful and has captured the imaginations of so many."
Stories and infographics by ‘Talker Research’ are available & ready to use. Stories and videos by ‘Talker News’ are managed by Talker Inc. For queries, please submit an inquiry via our contact form.
Mom’s stomach bloating was sign of incurable cancer
This type of cancer is most commonly diagnosed in people aged between 55 and 65.
Why 9 out of 10 bestselling thrillers feature violence against women
Women in domestically violent or controlling relationships can often be drawn to crime novels as a way to rationalize their...
Crustacean taxidermist charges up to $400 to preserve pet crabs and lobsters
"I really wouldn't have expected the crustacean taxidermy thing to take off as it has."
Family on fishing trip sail into massive ‘sea of jellyfish’
The bizarre jellyfish event was caught on camera.
Rare fruit tree given rude nickname by Shakespeare discovered
The bizarre fruit, if picked and eaten when ripe, can cause diarrhea and nausea.
Entertainment3 days ago‘Star Wars’ lightsaber prop sells for record $3.7 million
Parents4 days agoTechxiety? Modern parenting stress keeps families up at night
Outer Space4 days agoMeteorite that crashed in New Jersey may hold clues to how life began
Health4 days agoAre Americans more selective with health trends?
Sports4 days ago‘Psychic’ blind Jack Russel predicts England will beat Argentina
Tech2 days agoWhat does your phone background say about you?
News4 days agoDad and son ‘nearly die’ after sinking in beach mud
Sports4 days ago1966 World Cup flag expected to fetch more than $5,000 at auction
