The British Museum was on my “bucket list” for a very long time. After I was finally able to check it off, I spent some time thinking back to my one favorite exhibit.
Even though my visit lasted just a few hours, I was able to take in some pretty amazing treasures, the Mold Cape above being my favorite.
The golden Mold Cape was discovered in the town of Mold in Flintshire, Wales in 1833 CE. The cape dates from 1900-1600 BCE, and is the only Bronze Age gold cape known to exist. The meaning behind the intricate patterns and designs remains unknown. However there are similarities in design between the gold cape and four Bronze Age gold hats that were discovered in Germany and France.
The cape was made from a single sheet of gold for someone small in stature. The cape would have severely restricted upper arm movement and was probably used on rare occasions for ceremonial purposes. The Mold Gold Cape is currently housed in room 51 of the British Museum, London.
If you only have a few hours to visit the British Museum, I recommend following The British Museum in 3 Hours Self-Guided Tour. It’s an excellent overview of the museum and covers the highlights, but in the end you’re going to want to stay an entire day.
The British Museum is Free!
Jaunting Jen 
Great find.
I just love how some of these artifacts have power to take you back thousands years in the past.
Who made it, why, who wore it????
Neno
You’re right Neno, I sat there gazing at the cape wondering the same thing!