Anglo Saxon Urn, Loveden Hill

Details

This magnificent urn is a replica of an Anglo Saxon cremation urn that archaeologists excavated from a site at Loveden Hill, Nottinghamshire, which has proved to be a rich source of Anglo-Saxon artefacts. 

The urn is impressive in stature and beautifully made, providing a grand resting place for the person whose cremated remains were lovingly placed within it hundreds of years ago.

There are 16 bosses and 16 decorated panels running around the belly of the urn. 14 of the 16 panels have been decorated using incised lines, whilst two of the panels have stamped decoration where the potter has used three different stamps to create two distinctive panels. The reason for this is unclear. It may be some form of makers mark or have a significance to the person whose remains were in it. 

This elegant Saxon urn is one of a number of stunning urns found at the extensive site at Loveden Hill, Nottinghamshire. The location was first excavated in the 1920s, then again in 1955, 1963 and 1972. During these various excavations, nearly 2000 burials were discovered, mostly cremation but some inhumations, with a vast array of artefacts associated with the burial ritual of the time unearthed. It is clear from the amount of activity that this was a significant cemetery to the people of the Anglo-Saxon period. 

Due to its style, the urn is likely to date to the sixth or seventh century. Although from the number of burials discovered, it is evident that the Anglo-Saxon community that used this site did so for a long time, dating can be difficult. 

Materials

Terracotta, reduction fired

Dimensions

Approx. 240mm tall, 275mm diameter

Production

As with all my Museum Quality Replicas, we have made this pot, as the original would have been, entirely by hand from natural clay and using replicas of the types of tool that the ancient makers would have used. As each pot varies, you may not receive the vessel in the image, but you can be sure that your pot will be one of a kind due to the variations caused by the firing process. 

Postage

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