Summary
Archaeologists have reconstructed a 6th Century Byzantine bucket found at Sutton Hoo, believed to have been used for cremation. Human and animal remains, along with a comb, were discovered inside the bucket, suggesting it belonged to an important person in the community.
Key Facts
- A Byzantine bucket from the 6th century was pieced together and is thought to be a cremation vessel.
- Fragments were first found in 1986, with more uncovered in 2012 and 2022 at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk.
- The bucket contained cremated human and animal bones, hinting at belonging to an important community figure.
- An unburnt comb made of antler was also found inside the bucket.
- The bucket is made of a copper alloy and showed a hunting scene decoration.
- The Time Team TV show discovered parts of the bucket as part of a research project.
- Archaeologists hope to learn more about the burial through further analysis.
- Horses, large animals, were often part of early Anglo-Saxon cremations to show status.
