Copper-alloy 'Coptic' bowl

The bronze bowl was entire, except that it had been neatly repaired at the bottom by a patch of metal, affixed by small studs. There was also a small hole in it. The metal was quite sound, and scarcely appeared to have suffered at all by its long inhumation. This bowl is of a shape not often found in graves of Kent. Mr. Akerman [Akerman 1855a] has given an example of one (see 'Pagan Saxondom') which was discovered by the late Lord Londesborough, in 1843, at Wingham, in this county, and which it exactly resembles, even to the pattern of the open lattice-work of the stand. Similar paterae, Mr Akerman informs us, have been found in the graves of the Franks. In this bowl were deposited bones, some said to be human. This, however, I am not fully convinced of. Also the bones of sheep and oxen. For what purpose they were placed there, and whether in the first instance with or without their fleshy adjuncts, I am unable to determine. The circumstance, however, is remarkable.Circular bronze bowl, 15 inches in diameter, and 4 3/4 inch deep.The British Museum - Merlin Collections Database, Feb 2006: \Copper alloy \"Coptic\" bowl with openwork foot-ring; handles missing; small hole in side; rectangular patch on base; see also 3B. Diameter 38.00cm. Height 11.50cm\". – B.B."