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Hanging bowl
500-800
bronze, copper alloy
AR.A.1013.1
Herbert Art Gallery and Museum
This hanging bowl was excavated at Baginton in 1932 and is one of around 100 hanging bowls found in England. The most famous was found at Sutton Hoo. It was suspended by the four rings which are decorated with running spirals and leaves. All the ring escutcheons terminate with a sea creature biting the edge. The bottom of the bowl has a circular design in red enamel. The Baginton Bowl was used as a cremation container in the Anglo Saxon cemetery but its original purpose is debatable. It may have been for water to wash hands during ceremonies or for mixing wine with water for drinking. These enamelled hanging bowls have Celtic decoration however they are absent in Cornwall, Devon and Wales and most have been found in east and south of England.
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