Unveiling the secrets of a 6th century cremation vessel found at Sutton Hoo, a rare Byzantine bucket has shed new light on the history of this enigmatic site.
Fragments of a Byzantine bucket, once scattered across multiple excavations at Sutton Hoo, have been pieced back together to reveal its true purpose: as a cremation vessel. The discovery, made by archaeologists and documented in a recent excavation, sheds new light on the history of this enigmatic site.
The Sutton Hoo ship burial is a significant archaeological site in Suffolk, England.
Dating back to the 7th century, it is believed to be the final resting place of an Anglo-Saxon king or high-ranking official.
The site was discovered in 1939 and excavated in 1940.
The treasure found includes an ornate helmet, a sword, and a shield.
These artifacts are now housed at the British Museum.
Sutton Hoo provides valuable insights into Anglo-Saxon culture and its interactions with Europe.
The bucket’s remains were first unearthed in 1986, with additional fragments found in 2012 and last year. According to Angus Wainwright, National Trust archaeologist, the finds have ‘finally solved the puzzle’ surrounding the vessel’s use. The human remains discovered within the base of the bucket are believed to belong to an ‘important person‘ in the community, while the animal bones suggest a high social status.
The Sutton Hoo ship burial is a significant Anglo-Saxon archaeological site in Suffolk, England.
In 1939, a local landowner discovered a ship-shaped grave containing a wealth of treasures.
The excavation revealed a 27-meter-long ship, likely built around 625 AD.
Among the artifacts were a helmet, sword, and shield, showcasing the warrior's status.
A gold buckle and a silver-gilt purse lid adorned with gemstones also accompanied the deceased.
These finds have provided valuable insights into Anglo-Saxon culture and funerary practices.
The copper alloy bucket, adorned with a hunting scene, is thought to have been crafted several decades before the famous Sutton Hoo ship and its treasures were buried at the site. The human bones found in last year’s dig included part of an ankle bone and fragments of skull, while animal bones belonged to a species larger than a pig – likely a horse.
The discovery of these remains within the bucket base has confirmed that it was used as a cremation vessel. This finding, combined with the presence of an unburnt comb, suggests that ancient DNA from the owner might have survived, providing valuable insights into the identity of the individual.
A cremation vessel, also known as an urn or cinerary box, is a container used to hold the ashes of a deceased person after cremation.
These vessels come in various materials, including ceramic, glass, metal, and wood.
The choice of material often depends on personal preference, cultural traditions, and environmental concerns.
Ceramic vessels are popular due to their durability and aesthetic appeal, while glass urns offer a transparent and elegant design.
The bucket is a rare example of a Byzantine vessel in the British Isles during the 6th century. Its presence at Sutton Hoo highlights the cultural exchange and influences that characterized this period. As Helen Geake, Time Team’s Anglo-Saxon expert, notes, ‘It’s a remarkable mixture – a vessel from the southern, classical world containing the remains of a very northern, very Germanic cremation.‘
The discovery of the bucket has also underscored the complexities of Sutton Hoo, a site that has yielded multiple surprises throughout its history. As Mr. Wainwright remarks, ‘Who knows what else it might still hold?‘ The continued analysis and conservation of the bucket base and comb will undoubtedly shed more light on this enigmatic vessel and the people who used it.
The bucket base and comb will now be carefully conserved to allow further study and reconstruction. As researchers delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding Sutton Hoo, they hope to uncover more information about the burial practices and cultural traditions that defined this unique site. The continued discovery and analysis of artifacts like the cremation vessel offer a window into Anglo-Saxon times, revealing the complexities and nuances of this fascinating period in history.
