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Histories of Northamptonshire
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Bronze Age Spoon

Bronze Age 1970 - 1740 BCE Geologic to Prehistoric

A rare Bronze Age Ceramic spoon found in a cremation burial found during excavations in Middleton Cheney.

Bronze Age ceramic spoon © NMAG
Bronze Age ceramic spoon
Rear of ceramic spoon from cremation burial at Middleton Cheney © NMAG
Rear of ceramic spoon from cremation burial at Middleton Cheney

This complete ceramic spoon was found in Middleton Cheney during the excavation of three Early Bronze Age cremation burials. Two of the cremation burials were without urns and unaccompanied by grave goods; but the third cremation was interred in a collared urn, which also contained a ceramic spoon and a bronze awl. The young person buried with the spoon was around 11 years old. Although spoons or scoups are one of the most basic utensils, prehistoric ceramic spoons are rare finds and are usually broken. The spoon from Middleton Cheney is the most complete of its type and date known in Britain.

Number 13 of the objects selected for the A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects Exhibition 2025

Middleton Cheney
Contributed by Liz Mordue

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