Handcrafted Bronze Age Collared Urn – Based on Irish Archaeological Finds
Details
We created this magnificent Collared Urn in our Northumberland studio, using tools and techniques similar to those employed by the original Bronze Age maker over 3600 years ago in Ireland.
In the early to mid-Bronze Age, collared urns played a significant role in burial rituals. These often highly decorative vessels—with their distinctive thick clay collars around the rim—were used to house the cremated remains of the deceased.
Although the full extent of their funerary practices is not fully understood, it is believed that Bronze Age people may have sealed the urns with fabric or leather, stretched over the opening. The urns were then inverted into clay- or stone-lined pits, sealed with a stone slab, and covered with a cairn—a mound of stones marking and protecting the burial site.
This replica is based on information from the excellent reference work "The Dating of Food Vessels and Urns in Ireland" by A. L. Brindley, generously shared with us by Prof. Brenden O'Neill and Prof. Aidan O’Sullivan of the UCD School of Archaeology.
Materials
Smoke-fired terracotta, finished with beeswax
Dimensions
Height: Approx. 270 mm
Diameter: Approx. 240 mm
Production
As with all our museum-quality replicas, this vessel has been made entirely by hand from natural clay, using replicas of tools available to Bronze Age potters. In keeping with the original, the decoration has been applied using handmade lime bast cord.
Firing
The urn has been fired to emulate the conditions of ancient open firings. The original vessel would have been placed directly in contact with burning wood, a method that leaves distinctive surface colour variations on the clay. To improve strength while retaining authenticity, this replica has been fired to a higher temperature using a specialist process. The surface has been finished with beeswax, giving it a warm, gentle sheen.
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.
Own a remarkable piece of ancient funerary art. Order your replica Collared Urn today and honour the memory of Bronze Age craftsmanship.
