Early Medieval Hanging Bowl Discovered

A large well-preserved copper alloy vessel was discovered by a metal detectorist in the vicinity of Wetherby, North Yorkshire and taken to staff at York Archaeological Trust, who were fascinated by this Early Medieval enigma.

Much of the base was missing, although decorative enamel roundels – or basal escutcheons – and their frames from the centre of the base had survived separately. Three small suspension rings, and larger rings which probably framed the circular hooked escutcheons, were also found with the bowl. The design of the enamelled escutcheons includes and ornamental repertoire commonly labelled as ‘Celtic’.

All of these elements lead to the identification of the vessel as a hanging bowl. These thin-walled vessels would have hung via chains from three (or occasionally four) hooks which projected from the escutcheons and were soldered into position around the rim at regular intervals.

Extracted and adapted from the York Archaeological Trust magazine Yorkshire Archaeology Today, issue 18, p5. Contact Richard Hall, Director.