Description

Summary: 1 bone belt hook with two grooves etched into broad edge, found in an empty (disturbed) cist in bowl barrow Wilsford G18, excavated by William Cunnington

Research results

A Bronze Age bone belt hook, excavated by William Cunnington from Bowl Barrow Wilsford G18 in the 19th century - although the burial had already been disturbed the hook was found in an empty cist. These hooks are found in graves typically dating to 2000-1700 BC and were thought to be used to fasten belts or straps, however, a recently identified copper alloy example corroded to the blade of a dagger from Wilsford G23 suggests they may have been used to secure sheaths too.

This object was examined as part of the research published in Ritual in Early Bronze Age Grave Goods; a six-year research project carried out by Professor John Hunter and Dr Anne Woodward and funded by the Leverhulme Trust. Aided by a large number of other specialists the pair undertood an exhuastive study examining over 1000 objects held in 13 museums across the country in order to provide an extensive overview of burial practices in the period and identify regional practices.