Roman Pottery Syrinx from Shakenoak Farm

Inspired by a Rare Roman Shepherd's Pan Pipes

Details

This handcrafted museum quality replica is inspired by one of the most unusual Roman ceramic artefacts ever discovered in Britain, a pottery syrinx, or pan pipe, excavated at Shakenoak Farm in Oxfordshire. Dating to around AD 200, the original was recovered from the remains of a Roman farming settlement that later developed into a small Saxon village.

While depictions of pan pipes are relatively common in Roman art, surviving examples of the instruments themselves are exceptionally rare. Even today, only a handful of examples are known. When the Shakenoak syrinx was first published, it was believed to be only the fifth known example discovered north of the Alps, making it a truly remarkable archaeological find.

The settlement at Shakenoak Farm was primarily engaged in mixed farming, and archaeologists have suggested that the syrinx may have belonged to a shepherd tending flocks in the surrounding countryside. The gentle, haunting notes of a pan pipe would have carried across fields and pastures, serving both as entertainment and perhaps as a practical aid in managing livestock.

Adding a deeply human dimension to the story are two names scratched into the original instrument: CATAVACVS and BELLICINUS. Interestingly, the first letter of CATAVACVS appears to have been rather hastily inscribed. In photographs and archaeological illustrations, the letter C has a trailing stroke that can make it resemble an S to the modern eye. Such small imperfections remind us that this was not a ceremonial object created for display, but a personal possession handled and used by real people.

Nearly eighteen centuries after these names were scratched into the clay, we can only speculate about who these individuals were. Were they the owners of the instrument? Fellow shepherds? Friends passing the time with music after a day's work? Whatever their relationship, these simple inscriptions provide a rare and personal connection to the people who once lived and worked in Roman Britain.

The original syrinx was fashioned from fired clay and contained seven or possibly eight pipes, numbers commonly associated with ancient pan pipes. Its discovery reminds us that music was woven into everyday life in the Roman world, accompanying work, leisure and ritual alike.

Today, this remarkable object offers a glimpse into a side of Roman Britain that is often overlooked. Beyond forts, emperors and military campaigns were ordinary people who worked the land, tended animals, shared stories and made music. Through objects such as this, their voices can still be heard across the centuries.

Materials
Earthenware terracotta

Dimensions
Approx. 125 mm length
Approx. 100 mm width 
Approx. 27 mm depth

Production
Each syrinx is handmade in Northumberland by Potted History using traditional Roman-style methods:

• Sculpted and finished by hand

• Fired to temperatures between 800°C and 1000°C

• Natural surface variations give each syrinx its own character

Health & Safety

This is a Museum Quality Replica intended primarily for display, educational use and experimental archaeology.

For hygiene reasons, we recommend that you do not share your syrinx with others. As with the original, the porous ceramic surface can harbour bacteria and other germs. The mouthpiece should be cleaned thoroughly after use to minimise the build-up of contaminants.

While this syrinx has been carefully crafted to reflect the original Roman artefact, its ability to produce beautiful music will depend as much upon the skill of the musician as upon the instrument itself.

Handle with care, as ceramic objects may break if dropped or subjected to impact.

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 contains both items, they will be shipped together once all are ready.

Shipping
All items are sent via second-class postal service.
If you require first-class shipping, please contact us for a quote.
Items are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive safely and in excellent condition.

Bring the soundscape of Roman Britain into your collection and connect with the shepherds, farmers and musicians who once walked the fields of Oxfordshire nearly two thousand years ago.