Handcrafted Bronze Age Food Vessel Urn – Enlarged Type
Details
We handcrafted this spectacular Food Vessel Urn in our Northumberland studio, using tools and techniques similar to those employed by the original maker around 3600 years ago.
Although distinctive in both form and decoration, relatively little is known about the purpose of the elaborately adorned Bronze Age pottery known as Food Vessels. These striking ceramics have been discovered in a variety of contexts—domestic sites, inhumation burials, and cremation burials.
The name ‘Food Vessel’ stems from early interpretations suggesting these pots held food for the deceased in the afterlife. While this theory lacks solid evidence, it has endured over time. In truth, we know very little about the daily lives and funerary rituals of the Bronze Age communities who first placed vessels like this into the earth thousands of years ago.
Larger examples, such as this Enlarged Food Vessel, show signs of having been used as cinerary urns, while smaller versions may have served as ritual offerings.
This replica was created using information drawn from A. L. Brindley’s excellent book "The Dating of Food Vessels and Urns in Ireland", kindly gifted to us by Professor Brenden O’Neill and Professor Aidan O’Sullivan of the UCD School of Archaeology.
Materials
Smoke-fired terracotta, finished with beeswax for a subtle sheen
Dimensions
Height: Approx. 205 mm
Diameter: Approx. 170 mm
Production
As with all our museum-quality replicas, this vessel has been made entirely by hand from natural clay, using tools that replicate those used during the Bronze Age. In keeping with the original, the decoration has been applied using handmade lime bast cord.
Firing
This pot has been fired to emulate ancient open firing conditions. The original vessel would have been fired in direct contact with burning wood fuel, producing distinctive surface colour variations. However, because low firing temperatures result in relatively fragile pottery, this piece has been fired to a higher temperature using a specialist process that retains an authentic appearance while offering improved strength. The exterior has been finished with beeswax, giving it a soft, warm 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 striking and enigmatic piece of Bronze Age craftsmanship. Order your replica today and bring the mystery of ancient rituals into your home.
