Hembury Bowl With Lug Handles

Handcrafted Replica Neolithic Bowl – Inspired by a Find from Hembury

Details

The Neolithic causewayed enclosure of Hembury in East Devon provides valuable insight into early human settlement and daily life. Archaeological evidence reveals numerous cooking pits, where a growing community prepared food using skillfully crafted pottery vessels.

For many years, this ancient landmark was hidden beneath overgrowth, but recent preservation efforts have uncovered its historical significance. Hembury not only reveals Neolithic activity but also served as a settlement during the Iron Age, making it one of the most remarkable prehistoric hillforts in Devon.

Excavations at this site have unearthed pottery, quern stones, flints, and axes, providing a rich archaeological record of its inhabitants. The defensive position of Hembury, protected by steep slopes on three sides, offered security to its community while overlooking the stunning Otter Valley—a breathtaking backdrop for daily Neolithic life.

This handcrafted bowl with lugs is based on a pottery sherd discovered at this important historic site. It is a faithful recreation of a vessel that would have been used for cooking on the fire pits of Hembury, where ancient people prepared meals while taking in the awe-inspiring landscape.

Materials

• Smoke-fired terracotta

Dimensions

• Height: Approx. 140 mm
• Diameter: Approx. 200 mm

Production

Each museum-quality replica is handcrafted in Northumberland by Potted History, using authentic materials and tools that reflect Neolithic craftsmanship.

• The decoration on the bowl has been applied using a bone, replicating the markings and techniques used by Neolithic potters.
• The vessel has been fired in an open wood fire to emulate ancient firing conditions, resulting in surface variations in colour and texture, just as seen in original Neolithic pottery.
• Since each pot is individually fired, no two are identical—ensuring your piece is truly one of a kind.

Firing

The original Neolithic pots would have been fired in open flames, leaving distinctive colour variations due to direct contact with the fuel. However, open-fire kilns produce relatively fragile pottery.

To enhance durability while preserving authenticity, this replica has been fired at a slightly higher temperature in a specialised firing process—allowing it to retain its traditional look while being stronger than an original.

Health & Safety

This museum-quality replica has been made using authentic Neolithic tools and techniques. As an unglazed and porous vessel, it will absorb liquids and flavours over time, much like original Neolithic pottery.

• Not food safe: Due to its 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 cooking practices: Ancient cooks relied on applying sufficient heat to their pots and contents to kill bacteria. Heating to over 70°C for at least 10 minutes would have eliminated most disease-causing bacteria, while 100°C or higher would have provided further 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 piece of Neolithic craftsmanship with this beautifully handcrafted replica. Order today to bring the past into your collection!