Early Bronze Age Beaker

Naaboth’s Vineyard, Llanharry, Rhondda Cynon Taff

2250-1950 BC

In September 1929, workmen building a new road uncovered a stone-lined grave. Inside were the bones of an adult male who was between 26 and 35 years old when he died. Beside him, mourners had placed this beautifully made beaker. A fine comb was used to create the intricate designs pressed into the clay and it is likely that it was made especially for burial.

The workmen described finding ‘slimy stuff’ inside the beaker, perhaps the remains of a farewell drink, which they carefully washed out! Today such deposits could be analysed to find out what the beaker had originally contained.

NMW acc. no. 29.430/1