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LOT 0384
Ritually Sacrificed British Medieval Bronze Cauldron with the 'Murder' Weapon
1300-1400 A.D.
12 1/4 in. (6 kg total, 31 cm).
Comprising: a large bulbous bronze cauldron with three radiating applied iron legs (one detached), squat in profile with flared and chamfered rim; substantial iron axehead with slightly flared blade, thickened butt with socket; the cauldron discovered inverted with the axehead underneath.
ProvenanceThe assemblage found whilst searching with a metal detector in Cumbria, South Lakeland, UK on Friday 23 February 2023.
Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report nos.LANCUM-DA7471, LANCUM-F50F1D.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Seal, C., A Curious Cumbrian Cauldron, News and Views, Treasure Hunting Magazine, June 2024, p.10 & 11.
FootnotesThe find and its likely meaning have been discussed at length with Vincent van Vilsteren, the former Curator of the Drents Museum in the Netherlands, who has studied many instances of cauldrons which have been ceremonially buried after sustaining extensive damage. The ex curator's PhD is currently in process and will concentrate on the ritual aspects of late medieval bronze cauldrons.
The suggested interpretation here is that the cauldron was ritually 'killed' or put beyond use, and the weapon used to effect this was interred with it. This would be a rare (if not unparalleled) case in Europe of the deposition of the weapon alongside the item which the ritual was supposed to 'retire'.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0384
Ritually Sacrificed British Medieval Bronze Cauldron with the 'Murder' Weapon
Sold for (Inc. bp): £624
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Including a pocket sundial bar with incised lines and numbers, mouth with a pair of stylised passant guardant lions, 'fig' gesture strap end and others. 66 grams total, 18-58 mm
Found East Anglia, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Medieval Bronze Ring with Quatrafoil
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With incised chevrons to the shoulders, quatrefoil to the bezel. 9.32 grams, 23.69 mm overall, 19.59 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Medieval Knight's Bronze Heraldic Horse Harness Pendant Group
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Including square, heater-shaped and other types with low-relief fret, cross moline and other heraldic motifs. 33.4 grams total, 28-37 mm
Found East Anglia, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
