Iron Age cremations in Omphalos bowl and Pedestal urn, South Elms Farm (EHER 3481)

A Belgic cremation in an omphalos bowl, accompanied by a pedestalled urn of type Cam 202/3 - dated to AD 10-43. It is likely part of eight Belgic grave groups forming a cremation cemetery with EHER 3280 and 3482.

Belgic cremation in an omphalos bowl, accompanied by a pedestalled urn of type Cam 202/3 - dated to AD 10-43. It was discovered during course of deep ploughing in 1956 "200yds S of the Belgic settlement near Elm Park and over 200yds E of the nearest of the 7 other grave groups on Vince's Farm". <1> The cremation was described as two vessels had been placed in the ground side by side, the Pedestal Vase was of earthy brown-black clay, with light brown leathery surface, polished. The type is Cam. 202/3 with a quoit-shaped foot and narrow stem. It had tilted somewhat and lost its upper portion to earlier ploughing. The Omphalos Bowl is much rarer and must have been extremely difficult to make, as although it was turned on the wheel, it would have required manipulation by hand afterwards. It is a large globular pot with the centre of the base pushed up. The ware is like that of the Pedestal Urn, but darker. The bowl had lost its upper part but one piece of rim was within it. The burnt bones were in the bowl. <1> This could be the Gallo-Belgic burial referred to by <3> as found at TM 0578 2843. The location given for (what is thought to be this, but may not be) burial as "410 yds W of the angle in the road due N of Vince's Farm, and 100 ft S of the hedge" does not tally with that above. <4> The location of the record is a rough approximate based on the description in <1>. It is likely part of eight Belgic grave groups forming a cremation cemetery with EHER 3280 and 3482.