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01.07.2021

Winchester Hanging Bowl

The Anglo-Saxon hanging bowl you describe is a fascinating archaeological find dating back to the late 7th or 8th century AD. It was discovered in an Anglo-Saxon grave during an excavation led by local archaeologist W. J. Andrew in Oliver's Battery, near Winchester, in 1930.

This hanging bowl is crafted from beaten bronze and exhibits remarkable decorative features. Inside and on the underside of the base, there are two spirally decorated enameled and tinned circles. Additionally, the rim of the bowl boasts three more circles, each ending with water bird-shaped hooks. These decorative elements suggest a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The spiral patterns on the bowl find parallels in the Durrow Book, a late 7th-century manuscript housed at Trinity College Dublin. This similarity suggests that the bowl may have been acquired through trade, as a gift, or commissioned from a British or Irish metalworker.

One intriguing aspect of this hanging bowl is its design, which appears to have allowed it to be filled with clear liquid so that the inner basal circle would be visible when in use. The presence of hooks for hanging suggests that it was suspended from the rafters, with the circle on the underside being visible. In a Christian context, it is reasonable to assume that the clear liquid was holy water, making this bowl a part of "church utensils." Alternatively, it's possible to imagine the bowl being used to ostentatiously display treasures and their use during secular feasts in an Anglo-Saxon hall.

This artifact provides valuable insights into the cultural, religious, and artistic practices of the Anglo-Saxon period, showcasing both the craftsmanship of the time and the potential fusion of Christian and pagan traditions in its use.

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