Bring learning to life in the classroom with an Artefact box, packed full of fascinating items for children to explore, handle and investigate. Discover a wealth of exciting learning opportunities - contents include a wide range of quality replica historical and religious items, wonderful for classroom displays, with supporting teacher information.

To order your box, please email:  library.servicesforschools@cumberland.gov.uk

Artefact boxes will be deducted from your normal topic box entitlement or charged at £35.

Ancient Egypt

Image of artefacts contained in Ancient Egypt artefact box

Ancient Egypt was a glorious civilization that lasted over 3,000 years. It was concentrated along the River Nile in what is now the modern country of Egypt. The people lived along the banks of the Nile in cities, villages and on farms.

Egyptian Kings built magnificent temples, pyramids and monuments which has provided a wealth of information for archaeologists.

This collection of artefacts makes a fabulous, colourful and informative display.

Ancient Greece

Image of contents in an Ancient Greece artefacts box

This collection includes a fascinating assortment of replica artefacts, which help to recreate the daily life, sport, democracy and culture of Ancient Greece.

It includes artefacts representing the beginnings of democracy and the history of medicine.

Anglo-Saxons

Image of contents in Anglo-Saxons artefacts box

The Anglo-Saxon period denotes the period of British history between about 450 and 1066 and includes the creation of the English nation. 

The Anglo-Saxons inhabited Great Britain from the 5th century. They comprised people from Germanic tribes who migrated to the island from continental Europe. 

Many of the artefacts in this collection have been replicated from finds from archaeological digs, making them as authentic as possible.

Buddhism

Image of contents in Buddhism artefacts box

This collection is designed to promote the understanding of the significance of religious artefacts in worship, ceremony, rites of passage and family life.

Many of these authentic artefacts in the Buddhist box have been imported from Nepal. 

The Buddhist Sacred writings known as the Pali Canon or 'way of the truth' included in this box has a hand painted wooden cover. These are made by inhabitants of a small village situated amongst the mountains of the Himalayas.

Chinese New Year

Image of contents in Chinese New Year artefacts box

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival in China, is China's most important traditional festival. It is also the most important celebration for Chinese families all over the world. 

The Chinese animal zodiac is a repeating cycle of 12 years, with each year being represented by an animal. Traditionally these zodiac animals were used to date the years. 

Chinese people believe that a good start to the year will lead to a lucky year. 

This collection of artefacts makes a fabulous, colourful and informative display.

Explorers

Image of contents in Explorers artefacts box

Throughout history people have always wanted to explore the unknown…

The Age of Exploration took place between the 15th and 17th centuries. During this time many countries in Europe sent out explorers to discover new lands, find trade routes, seek treasure, and gain territory for their country. 

During this time much of the world was mapped and many world civilizations came into contact with each other. Sometimes it is called the Age of Discovery.

This collection has many fascinating replica artefacts to captivate the imaginations of all future Explorers!


Islam

Image of contents in Islam artefacts box

This collection is designed to promote the understanding of the significance of religious artefacts in worship, ceremony, rites of passage and family life.

The artefacts in the Islam box are authentic and have been sourced from the Muslim community here in the UK.


Mayans and Aztecs

Image of contents in Mayans and Aztecs artefacts box

In the 16th Century, explorers in the Americas discovered evidence of a great civilization - the Aztec and the Maya.The region was inhabited by people whose great achievements included masterpieces of art and spectacular cities.

The Mayans are believed to be the first to discover cocoa and learnt that the beans inside the cocoa pods could be made into a liquid that would become a treat for us all today!

Many of the artefacts in this box have been imported from Mexico. The collection provides an interesting display as well as an insight into the life of this fascinating civilization.

Multi-History

Image of contents in Multi-History artefacts box

Our Multi-History boxes provide a selection of fascinating items on up to 4 of the following topics:

Ancient Greece, Romans, Vikings, Medieval and Norman, Tudor/Elizabethan, Mayans and Aztecs, Ancient Egypt.

There will be between 5 and 8 items included for each topic - a great way to sample a range of topics in one box. 

Brilliant for classroom displays!

Romans

Image of contents in Romans artefacts box

The Roman Empire was one of the most important empires in history lasting over a thousand years.

Despite the fall of the empire, Roman civilization has had an enormous impact and influence on our culture.

Many of the artefacts in this collection have been made for re-enactment groups which make them as authentic as possible.


Stone and Iron Age

Image of contents in Stone and Iron Age artefacts box

The first men and women came to Britain over two and a half million years ago. 

As the climate got warmer at the end of the second ice age, tribes of hunters and gatherers of food, who used simple stone tools and weapons, made their way into Britain. They moved  from place to place so they could find new resources.

This collection contains interesting replica artefacts for your display. Some of the items in the box are based on archaeological finds and museum exhibits.

Victorians

Image of contents in Victorians artefacts box

The Victorian era in British history was the time during which Queen Victoria reigned. She was Queen from 1837 until 1901.

A lot of change happened in Britain during Victorian times - it was a time of invention and there were great advancements in science and technology. The Industrial Revolution was happening and Great Britain became the British Empire.

Many of the artefacts in this collection are original. They have been sourced from antique and re-enactment markets. The collection provides a fascinating display and an insight into Victorian life.

Vikings

Image of contents in a Vikings artefacts box

Vikings originated in the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

As their numbers grew there was not enough land for everyone so they invaded neighbouring countries including Britain. They were great explorers, traders and boat builders. They spent their daily lives growing and cooking food, making yarn and various crafts.

Many of the artefacts in this collection have been made for re-enactment groups and have been replicated from finds from archaeological digs, making them as authentic as possible.

World War 2

Image of contents in a World War 2 artefacts box

World War 2 started in 1939 when Germany invaded Poland. Great Britian then declared war on Germany. Many countries were involved and over 50 million people were killed.

Many children who lived in big cities were evacuated to the countryside.

This collection includes artefacts for an informative display and to promote discussion and understanding of the biggest war in living history.

Images and descriptions from the Artefacts to Order website