Hurst Fen, Mildenhall Bowl

Cooking pot. hung

Details
This is a replica of a Neolithic Hurst Fen, or Mildenhall, bowl found in the parish of Mildenhall, Suffolk, the site of a large Neolithic settlement that was in use from around 3700 BC to 3400 BC. 

Early Neolithic pottery tended to be simple, undecorated forms such as carinated bowl, so the elaborately patterned Hurst Fen Bowl stands out amongst these plainer forms.  It is also suggested that this style of pottery represents a definable regional style associated with the South East or England. 

With four holes just below the rim of the bowl it is possible that is was hung using cord or leather straps, possibly over a fire.   

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Materials

Smoke fired Terracotta

Dimensions

Approx. 200 mm tall 260 mm diameter

Firing

It has been fired to emulate the ancient firing conditions. The original pot would have been fired in an open wood fire, in close contact with the fuel, a process that leaves its mark on the clay as variations in the surface colour. However the very low temperatures achieved in open firings, also results in pots that are relatively weak, so this pot has been fired to a somewhat higher temperature to strengthen it, in a special firing process that allows me to achieve an authentic appearance to the pot.

Production

Completely hand built, from clays similar in character to those used by the original potters, this vessel has been fired in a wood fire to emulate the surface colouration of the original.  It has been given a finish of bees wax, a material also identified in residue analysis of the originals.  Where hand tools are used I create my own using stone, wood, shell, bone and antler based on original finds or information gained from marks on original artefacts.

Health & Safety

This is a Museum Quality Replica and is not intended for use as a food vessel, if you require replica pots for actual use with food or beverages, please ask before purchasing.

Postage
All items are sent using a second class postal service, if you wish to have an item sent first class please contact my for a quote. Many Thanks