THE Wessex Gallery is opening a new exhibition from mid-November until February focusing on the many finds made by detectorists in the Deverill Valley across three decades.

Some of the priceless objects date back through 2,000 years of Wessex history.

The Government set up the Portable Antiquities Scheme in 1997 to encourage the voluntary recording of archaeological objects found by members of the public in England and Wales and the exhibition is a product of that scheme.

Adrian Green, director of Salisbury Museum, said: “The work of some talented local detectorists has become so important. Since they’ve been co-operating with the scheme, their findings have contributed enormously to our understanding of the history of Wessex.”

Among the pieces on show is the superbly cast Roman bust of a Maenad, pictured above, a female follower of the god Bacchus with a stunning plaited vine and ivy wreath head-dress.

Another beautiful piece is an early medieval hooked tag showing an eagle stretching its wings and talons, possibly a symbol for John the Baptist. It is made from copper alloy with silver plate inlaid with niello – a black mixture of copper, silver, and lead sulphides. There is also a glorious gilded early medieval cloisonné brooch with a trifoliate leaf motif.

Richard Henry, finds liaison officer for Wiltshire, said: “The lenders for this case have been working closely with the PAS and the museum for a long time. We are really happy to have the chance to display their finds.”

The exhibition will also include four finds from across south Wiltshire that have been recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme and donated to the museum.

Among these a pointed oval seal matrix from the sub deanery of Salisbury, pictured left, made from copper-alloy between 1300-1400 AD, which was donated by a person who found it while gardening in Laverstock.

The seal depicts the Virgin and Child standing before an elaborate altar.