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The diptych - an object with two flat plates attached at a hinge - will be seen whole during the Museum's National Archaeology Week celebrations, thanks to Dr Mark Redknap, Curator of Medieval & Later Archaeology.

The right panel was discovered during the demolition of the ‘old well house' at Llandaf, Cardiff in 1836 and was acquired by Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales in 1901. More than 100 years later, as Dr Redknap worked late one evening researching its history and date ahead of the opening of the National Museum Cardiff's Origins: In Search of Early Wales exhibition, he realised he'd found the panel's exact match.

"As I looked through a catalogue of ivories in preparation for the Origins exhibition, I noticed the decorative details, dimensions, condition and hinge positions of our ‘Llandaf piece' corresponded very closely with a left hand ivory panel pictured in the publication," said Dr Redknap. "It was one of those ‘eureka' moments. I couldn't wait to get into work the next day to confirm my suspicions."

The right-hand panel of the diptych, which was made in Paris about 1340/60, portrays Christ on the cross flanked by Mary and John as a young man. The left-hand panel, which shows the Virgin and Child flanked by SS Peter and Paul, was at the Walker Art Gallery, National Museums Liverpool.  

Robin Emmerson of National Museums Liverpool said:
"We are thrilled by Dr Redknap's discovery and delighted to be able to reunite the two halves of this ivory carving."

Diptychs and triptychs (two and three-panel images) were intended to engage the medieval viewer in meditation of Christ's life and suffering. During the 13th and 14th centuries Paris became a prolific centre for the manufacture of such devotional objects from ivory, as well as secular items such as mirror cases, caskets and combs, and dominated the market.

The reunited diptych panels will be shown at National Museum Cardiff for 12 months, thanks to the generosity of National Museums Liverpool. When the original is returned, a highly accurate laser cut resin copy of the left panel - commissioned for the Origins exhibition in 2007 - will be on display.

National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum and The National Roman Legion Museum will be celebrating National Archaeology Week with a series of activities and events (from 12 - 20 July). Visitors to National Museum Cardiff on 15 and 16 July will be given an opportunity to literally piece together the past, helping Museum experts put 13th and 14th century pottery, found during excavations at the Cathedral School, Llandaf, together again. Visit www.museumwales.ac.uk for a full list of events and activities.

Admission to Amgueddfa Cymru is free thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Amgueddfa Cymru operates seven national museums across Wales.  These are National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum, National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, National Slate Museum, Llanberis and the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

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For further information, photograph or interview opportunities, please contact Catrin Mears, Communications Officer, on 029 2057 3185/07920 027067 or email catrin.mears@museumwales.ac.uk.

Notes to Editors:

National Archaeology Week activities at National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum and The National Roman Legion Museum include:

National Roman Legion Museum

• Have a go at some archaeology-inspired activities and visit the excavation of the Roman Fort for a guided tour

Saturday 12 July (11am-4pm) & Sunday 13 July (2- 4pm)

National Museum Cardiff

• Follow the Animal Trail round Origins exhibition, visit Glanely Discovery Gallery to get close to some original objects and try your hand at cave art and clay working.

Saturday 12 July, Sunday 13 July

• Guided Tour of the Origins exhibition

Places are limited. Book on arrival.
Every Thursday, Saturday & Sunday 12noon

• Piecing together the Past

In 2002, a large amount of 13th/14th-century pottery was found during excavations at the Cathedral School, Llandaff. Help our experts to put these pots back together again.
Places limited, pre-booking recommended 02920 573148.
Tuesday, 15 July - Wednesday, 16 July

• Lunchtime talk 1.05pm

A funny thing happened on the way to the forum: Excavations at Caerwent Roman Town by Richard Brewer, Keeper of Archaeology.
Places limited.  Book on arrival.
Saturday 19 Wednesday 16 July

• What remains of the feast?

Throughout the day Archaeologists present and talk about recent discoveries following their excavation at Llanmaes in the Vale of Glamorgan. Food for thought!
Places limited.  Book on arrival.
Saturday 19 July

• Small Objects of Desire

Glass beads have been treasured as adornments and amulets for over 4000 years. Learn more about the beads in our collections, and watch an expert beadmaker recreate our Iron Age, Roman and Viking beads using authentic materials and techniques.
Saturday 19 July & Sunday 20 July

St Fagans: National History Museum

• Putting the Iron into the Iron Age

Iron working in the Celtic Village
Saturday 12 July - Sunday 13 July

• Breaking the Mould

Inspired by the fragments of cauldrons and bowls from our excavations at Llanmaes, join our experts as they explore the process of smelting copper and casting and working bronze.
Thursday 17 July - Saturday 19 July

• What remains of the feast?

Throughout the day Archaeologists present and talk about recent discoveries following the excavation of an ancient meeting place at Llanmaes. Food for thought!
Places are limited. Book on arrival.
Friday, 18 July