The latest axes to be found in mid-Wales, a pair of early bronze flat weapons found within metres of each other in a field two years ago, have been declared treasure by the Deputy Coroner for Pembrokeshire.

Tom Baxter and Luke Pearce found the warrior hoard during an August detecting visit to a field under pasture in the community of Nevern. Dated to around 2000 BC, they are thought to have been buried in a “special place” in the landscape, close to a stream source with a view of the sea.

One of them is described as a simple and slender example of the Migdale phase of early British metalwork. Its companion is shorter, more flared and features a “rain pattern” decoration near the blade end.

“This is an important discovery of early bronze axes for Wales, providing a picture of developing bronze casting expertise around 4,000 years ago,” said Adam Gwilt, the Curator of the Bronze Age Collections at National Museum Wales.

“This find-spot, on the northern margins of Mynydd Preseli, sits within a rich and important prehistoric ritual landscape.

“The hoard adds to the wider picture of the lives of the early metalworking communities here at the beginning of the Bronze Age.”

The flagship museum group said it would look to buy the hoard once it has been valued.