Bronze Age Baby Feeding Vessel

Handcrafted Replica Ancient Infant Feeding Vessel

Details

These fascinating vessels are featured in a research paper by Dr. Julie Dunne et al., University of Bristol, which examined burials containing these distinctive clay pipes. Dating from the Bronze and Iron Ages, these vessels are thought to be early infant feeding tools, though the earliest examples of similar objects date back to Neolithic Europe.

A Glimpse into Ancient Childcare

• Chemical analysis of these objects revealed traces of ruminant milk products, suggesting they were used for feeding milk to infants.
• Due to their presence in infant graves, many researchers believe they were early baby-feeding vessels, though it is also possible that they were used to feed the sick or elderly.

A Change in Human Society

If these vessels were indeed used to help wean infants, their introduction may have marked a crucial shift in parenting and population growth.

• Reducing or stopping breastfeeding earlier would have freed up mothers to care for additional children, possibly accelerating population expansion within early societies.

Materials

• Smoke-fired terracotta

Dimensions

• Short-tubed vessel:

  • Bowl height: Approx. 40 mm
  • Bowl diameter: Approx. 50 mm
  • Tube length: Approx. 18 mm

• Long-tubed vessel:

  • Bowl height: Approx. 40 mm
  • Bowl diameter: Approx. 50 mm
  • Tube length: Approx. 50 mm

Production

As with all my Museum Quality Replicas, this vessel has been handcrafted entirely by hand, using natural clay and replica tools based on those used by Bronze Age potters.

Firing Process

To achieve an authentic appearance, this pot has been wood-fired, replicating ancient firing conditions.

• The original vessels would have been fired in an open wood fire, in direct contact with the fuel, creating natural variations in surface colour.
• However, the low temperatures of open firings result in weaker pottery, so this vessel has been fired at a slightly higher temperature to strengthen it while still maintaining an authentic prehistoric finish.

Health & Safety

This is a Museum Quality Replica and not intended for use.

• Under no circumstances should this vessel be used to feed a baby or an ill person.
• Modern baby-feeding products have been developed through years of research and technological advancements—please use those instead.

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 me for a custom quote.

Explore ancient childcare traditions with this beautifully handcrafted replica. Order today!