Hembury Bowl

Handcrafted Neolithic Bowl – Inspired by the Hembury Hillfort Site, Devon
Details

This bowl is a replica based on a sherd uncovered at the Neolithic causewayed enclosure of Hembury, East Devon—a site rich in prehistoric significance. Used between c. 3700–3400 BCE, the site provides evidence of extensive cooking pits, likely used with a wide array of skillfully crafted pottery vessels to prepare meals for the growing Neolithic community.

For many years, this remarkable site was hidden beneath dense overgrowth. Today, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, it is recognised not only for its Neolithic importance but also as the location of an Iron Age settlement. Some even call it the finest prehistoric hillfort in Devon.

Surrounded on three sides by steep natural slopes and offering commanding views over the Otter Valley, Hembury provided both defensive advantage and inspirational surroundings for the people who lived there. Among the artefacts discovered are quern stones, flint tools, axes, and pottery—revealing a vibrant, well-established community.

This bowl evokes that same daily life—perhaps a vessel used to enjoy a meal with the dramatic Devon landscape as a backdrop.

Materials
Smoke-fired terracotta

Dimensions
Height: Approx. 90 mm
Diameter: Approx. 165 mm

Production

Each bowl is handcrafted in Northumberland by Potted History, using tools and techniques based on those available to Neolithic potters. The decoration has been applied using a bone tool, in keeping with archaeological evidence from the site. Every piece is made entirely by hand using natural clay, ensuring historical authenticity.

Firing

The bowl has been fired to replicate ancient conditions, similar to an open wood fire, in close contact with burning fuel. This traditional method results in unique surface variations. To ensure strength while preserving authenticity, the pot has been fired to a higher temperature using a specialist process. The result is a pot with a truly one-of-a-kind finish.

Please note: Due to the handmade nature of this item and the natural variation in firing, your pot may differ slightly from the one pictured—making each piece truly unique.

Health & Safety
Museum-Quality Replica: Made using authentic Roman tools and techniques.
Not food safe: This piece is unglazed and porous, meaning it absorbs liquids and does not meet modern health and safety standards for food use.
For display purposes only: While some enthusiasts use replicas for experimental archaeology, doing so is at your own risk.
Ancient users ensured food safety by heating their pots and contents above 70°C for at least 10 minutes to kill bacteria, with 100°C or higher offering additional protection.

Ordering Information
'Add to Basket' Items: Ready to ship immediately.
'Pre-order' Items: Handmade to order within 90 days (longer for international orders). If your order includes both 'Add to Basket' and 'Pre-order' items, they will be shipped together once all items are ready.

Shipping
All items are sent via second-class postal service as standard.
If you require first-class shipping, please contact us for a custom quote.
Postage Note: All items are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.

Bring a taste of Devon’s ancient past into your present. Order this handcrafted Neolithic bowl and connect with the people of Hembury through their everyday pottery.