Description

Summary: 1 bronze flesh hook with an oblong hole in the centre (around which are two incised hatched patterns - one on both sides, common in the Bronze Age) to which three round links of a chain are fastened on the prong side and from which a small flat tang protrudes on the outside, pierced with three holes for attaching it to a handle (possibly from a wooden cauldron), found with a primary or secondary (not found) inhumation in Bell Barrow Wilsford G58, excavated by William Cunnington.

Research results

A unusual Bronze Age copper alloy object found with a primary inhumation in bell barrow Wilsford G58 by William Cunnington. This is one of a number of objects from this richly furnished, but unusual grave group. Other artefacts include a musical instrument made from a human bone, a stone and copper alloy axehead, and a boar's tusk. The object has a short, incomplete tang with low flanges, similar to contemporary axeheads, suggesting it was mounted onto a handle and interpretations of its use have varied from flesh hook, to standard to a form of ceremonial goad, which is perhaps the most likely given the importance of cattle in Early Bronze Age society.

This object was examined as part of the research published in Ritual in Early Bronze Age Grave Goods; a six-year research project carried out by Professor John Hunter and Dr Anne Woodward and funded by the Leverhulme Trust. Aided by a large number of other specialists the pair undertood an exhuastive study examining over 1000 objects held in 13 museums across the country in order to provide an extensive overview of burial practices in the period and identify regional practices.