Scientists solve mystery of 1,400-year-old bucket unearthed at Sutton Hoo
Secrets of 6th-century society revealed by Sutton Hoo bucket
- Archaeologists have discovered that a 1,400-year-old Byzantine bucket found at the Sutton Hoo site held cremated human remains.
- The bucket, known as the Bromeswell Bucket, is decorated with a hunting scene and predates the famous Sutton Hoo ship burial.
- A comb, possibly made of antler, was also found within the bucket. Analysis of the human and animal bones inside aims to reveal more about the deceased and the cremation process.
- The bucket was found in fragments, including the feet, paws, base and parts of the hunting scene decoration, and later pieced together.
- It marks the first known instance of such a bucket being used in a cremation burial, highlighting the unique nature of the Sutton Hoo site.