Chain

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This iron chain for a cauldron was found at Blackburn Mill near Cockburnspath in Berwickshire in a large hoard of Roman and native metalwork. The hoard was buried within two bronze cauldrons sometime between 80 and 200 AD.

The large chain has spiral ornamented double hooks at the end.

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

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-891-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DW 97
• Date: Between 80 and 200 AD
  
• Material: Iron; large; with spiral ornamented double hooks at the end
  Chain, cauldron
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Chain, cauldron
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Berwickshire, Cockburnspath, Blackburn Mill
  
• Event:
• Description: Large iron cauldron chain with spiral ornamented double hooks at the end, from Blackburn Mill
  
• References:
  • Piggott, S. Three metalwork hoards of the Roman period. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 87 (1952-3), 1-50.
• Translations:
• Related Records: