Bronze Age Beaker, Amesbury Archer, Find 6609

Handcrafted Replica Amesbury Archer Beaker – Bone Comb Decoration

Details

This faithfully recreated beaker is based on an exceptional Early Bronze Age find from the grave of the Amesbury Archer, dating to around 2300 BCE. This remarkable burial, discovered near Stonehenge, contained an extraordinary collection of artifacts, offering unparalleled insights into Britain’s Beaker culture.

This expertly crafted beaker, decorated using a bone comb tool, is a stunning example of Bronze Age pottery. The original vessel, discovered alongside flints, knives, multiple pots, and gold hair ornaments, was part of a high-status burial, indicating that the Amesbury Archer was a man of great importance.

Beaker pottery first arrived in Britain from Continental Europe around 2500 BCE, coinciding with the introduction of gold and copper—a major cultural shift at the dawn of the Bronze Age.

Find Number: 6609

Historical Context

The arrival of Beaker culture in Britain around 2500 BCE is often considered the end of the Neolithic and the beginning of the Bronze Age. This period saw the first use of metalworking, with some studies suggesting that waves of migration from Europe reshaped Britain’s population.

Beaker pottery became a hallmark of this era, with potters creating intricately decorated vessels used in feasting, burial rites, and daily life.

Materials

• Smoke-fired terracotta

Dimensions

• Height: Approx. 173 mm
• Diameter: Approx. 155 mm

Production

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

• The decoration has been applied using a bone comb, replicating the original technique used in the Early Bronze Age.

Firing Process

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

• The original beaker 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 beaker 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 as a drinking vessel.

• If you require replica pots suitable for food or beverages, please contact me before purchasing.

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.

Own a piece of Early Bronze Age history with this handcrafted replica Amesbury Archer Beaker. Order today!