Cauldron

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This large bronze cauldron was found at Hatton Knowe at Darnhill in Peeblesshire. It was an expensive item, presumably used in feasts given by an important leader sometime between 950 and 750 BC.

The well-preserved cauldron is made from three sheets of bronze, two riveted together to form the upper part, and one rounded to form the base, then riveted to the top two. It lacks one ring and its attachment.

Feasting was one form of conspicuous consumption during the Late Bronze Age, designed to show off the power, wealth and status of the giver. Cauldrons were used to boil meat, and flesh hooks used to fork it out.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-790-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DU 8
• Date: Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; spheroidal
  
• Dimensions: 15.50" H x 21.00" D across brim; weight 90 oz
  
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• Where: Scotland, Peeblesshire, Darnhall, Hatton Knowe
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze cauldron from Hatton Knowe, Darnhill, Peeblesshire
  
• References:
  • Coles, John M. Scottish late Bronze Age metalwork: typology, distributions and chronology. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 93 (1959-1960), pp 16-134, esp. pp 30, 88. 
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