Cauldron

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This bronze cauldron was found at Kincardine Moss near Stirling in Stirlingshire. The flimsy ring attachments suggest that this cauldron was for symbolic rather than practical use. It was probably buried as a gift to the gods between 600 and 400 BC.

The cauldron was made in three large sections. The bowl-shaped base was joined by evenly spaced rivets to two side plates. The side plates were decorated with repoussé ring and dots where the two overlapped. The rim is tubular, with places for two rings.

Feasting was one form of conspicuous consumption, designed to show off the power, wealth and status of the giver. Some were also buried as gifts to the gods, probably symbolic of food and feasting.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-785-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DU 1
• Date: Between 600 and 400 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; formed of thin plates riveted together
  
• Dimensions: 16.00" H x 25.00" D
  
• What:
• Subject:
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• Where: Scotland, Stirlingshire, Kincardine Moss
  
• Event:
• Description: Cauldron formed of thin plates of bronze riveted together, from Kincardine Moss
  
• References:
  • Stevenson, Robert B.K. Metal-work and some other objects in Scotland and their cultural affinities. In: Rivet, A.L.F. The Iron Age in northern Britain. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 1966, p 31. 
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