Abingdon Neolithic Bowl

Handcrafted Replica Neolithic Abingdon Ware Bowl

Details

This beautifully handcrafted Neolithic bowl has been carefully created in our Northumberland studio to replicate the Abingdon Ware pottery style. The name comes from sherds discovered at the Abingdon Causewayed Enclosure, a significant Neolithic site on the Thames gravels.

The excavation of Abingdon’s ancient settlement began in 1905, when two human skeletons were discovered. Over the years, continued digs revealed fascinating insights into the people who once thrived in this landscape. Sadly, much of the site has since been destroyed due to gravel quarrying, but the pottery evidence that remains helps us connect with Britain’s earliest communities.

Abingdon Ware, which dates from the middle Neolithic (c. 3900–3200 BCE), is characterised by its bipartite forms, often featuring simple lugs or handles. The style evolved from earlier carinated bowls and was used for cooking and food storage, providing an essential function for Neolithic households.

Materials

• Smoke-fired terracotta

Dimensions

• Height: Approx. 190 mm
• Diameter: Approx. 250 mm

Production

Each bowl is hand-built from clays similar in character to those used by Neolithic potters. It has been fired in a wood fire, a process that creates natural surface colour variations, mimicking the original firing conditions.

To enhance authenticity, this piece has been finished with beeswax polish, a material identified in residue analysis of the originals. When evidence of Neolithic tool use is available, we replicate the tools using stone, wood, shell, bone, and antler, ensuring every piece echoes the craftsmanship of the past.

Firing Process

The original pot would have been fired in an open wood fire, where it was exposed to fuel and flames, leaving distinctive surface markings. However, because open firings result in relatively fragile pottery, we fire this replica to a slightly higher temperature for added strength, while still maintaining an authentic Neolithic appearance.

Health & Safety

• Museum-Quality Replica: Crafted using authentic Neolithic tools and techniques.
• Not food safe: Due to its unglazed and porous nature, this vessel does not meet modern health and safety standards for food use.
• For display and experimental archaeology purposes only: While some enthusiasts use these replicas for experimental archaeology, doing so is at your own risk.
• Neolithic cooks ensured food safety by heating their pots and contents above 70°C for at least 10 minutes to kill bacteria, with 100°C or higher offering additional protection.

Ordering Information

• 'Add to Basket' Items: Ready to ship immediately.
• 'Pre-order' Items: Handmade to order within 90 days (longer for international orders). If your order includes both 'Add to Basket' and 'Pre-order' items, they will be shipped together once all items are ready.

Shipping

• All items are sent via second-class postal service as standard.
• If you require first-class shipping, please contact us for a custom quote.
• Postage Note: All items are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.

Own a beautifully crafted piece of Neolithic history. Order today to bring a timeless connection to the past into your collection!