On the Isle of Man, located between Great Britain and Ireland, an ancient bronze spoon has been discovered, which may have been used in divination rituals more than 2,000 years ago. This object, dated to the Iron Age, was found on private land in the Patrick region, situated on the island’s west coast.

The discovery was made by Rob Middleton, a metal detectorist, who located the piece on land belonging to farmer David Anderson. Although similar objects have been found in other regions such as Great Britain, Ireland, and France, this find is particularly significant, as it represents the twenty-eighth known example worldwide and the first recorded on the Isle of Man.

According to Allison Fox, curator of Archaeology at Manx National Heritage, this bronze spoon dates approximately to 400-100 BC and is one of the most fascinating pieces discovered on the island. In Fox’s words: Although the term ‘spoon’ might suggest an everyday object, this piece is actually an extraordinary find. Iron Age objects are not common on the island, and bronze spoons from this period are extremely rare, making this discovery truly remarkable.

iron age spoon isle man
Detail of the spoon used in divinatory rituals, found on the Isle of Man. Credit: Manx National Heritage

The spoon has a distinctive shape, featuring a wide bowl with a profile similar to a strawberry and a circular handle decorated with spirals. Inside the bowl, two faintly engraved lines form a cross and converge at the deepest part of the utensil. While the exact function of the object remains a mystery, the most widely accepted theory suggests it was used in divination rituals to predict the future.

Fox also explained that these types of spoons are usually found in pairs and were possibly used by pouring liquids into the one with the engraved cross. The way the liquid settled inside the spoon may have been interpreted by ancient people as a sign to reveal information about the future. However, the exact details of these rituals have been lost over time.

The discovery of this piece reinforces the Isle of Man’s significance within the archaeological context of the Iron Age. Fox highlighted the importance of donations made by Middleton and Anderson, who have contributed other artifacts over the years to the collections of Manx National Heritage. These donations allow researchers to expand their understanding of the practices and beliefs of the island’s ancient inhabitants.

iron age spoon isle man
The presentation of the finding. Credit: Manx National Heritage

Following its discovery, the spoon has been donated to the national collections managed by Manx National Heritage and is now on public display at the House of Manannan. The institution has expressed gratitude to both the discoverer and the landowner for their generosity and cooperation. Additionally, support from Dr. Toby Driver of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Wales has helped further research into these unique objects.

During the Iron Age, which in the British Isles spanned approximately from 500 BC to 500 AD, the Isle of Man was inhabited by small communities living in wooden or stone huts, also known as roundhouses. During this period, strategic sites such as South Barrule and Cronk Sumark were fortified, along with other walled coastal settlements like Cronk ny Merriu and Close ny Chollagh.

Although there is no evidence of Roman settlements on the island, objects dating to that period have been found, suggesting some form of contact with Roman Britain, possibly through trade. This recent discovery contributes to a better understanding of the lives and practices of the island’s ancient inhabitants, shedding new light on their beliefs and ritual customs.

SOURCES

Manx National Heritage

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