Anglo Saxon, Spong Man, Urn with Lid

Handcrafted Replica Spong Figure And Urn – Inspired by the 5th-Century Anglo-Saxon Original

Details

This museum-quality replica is a reimagining of the Spong Figure and the Urn it may have sat upon, a remarkable 5th-century Anglo-Saxon artefact.

The Spong Figure originally adorned the lid of a cremation urn. However, at some point post-excavation, the lid became separated from the urn, leaving archaeologists with no clues about what the complete vessel looked like. To restore the figure to its original function, we have referenced urns from the same period to create a vessel that faithfully reflects the craftsmanship of Anglo-Saxon potters.

The original Spong Figure Lid was discovered in 1979 at Spong Hill, North Elmham, one of the most significant Anglo-Saxon cemeteries ever found in Britain. The site is the largest known Anglo-Saxon cremation cemetery, yielding thousands of artefacts that have helped historians piece together early medieval life.

This evocative figure, with its contemplative expression, is one of the few surviving three-dimensional representations of the human form from the Anglo-Saxon period. Whether the figure was meant to represent the deceased, act as a guardian, or serve some other purpose, its presence on the urn remains a mystery.

Materials

• Terracotta, reduction fired

Dimensions

• Height: Approx. 300 mm
• Diameter: Approx. 190 mm

Production

This urn has been handcrafted in our Northumberland studio, using historical tools and techniques to ensure an authentic finish.

• Each piece is individually handmade, following Anglo-Saxon pottery methods.
• The reduction firing process creates unique variations in surface colour and texture, replicating the aged appearance of the original.
• As with all handcrafted pieces, no two are identical, ensuring that your urn is one of a kind.

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 unique piece of Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship with this stunning Spong Figure Urn. Order today to bring history into your home!