A remarkable 2,000-year-old bronze spoon, believed to have been used for divination, has been unearthed on the Isle of Man. This Iron Age artifact is considered one of the most fascinating discoveries on the island and is thought to be linked to ancient ritual practices.
A Rare and Significant Find
The spoon was discovered by metal detectorist Rob Middleton on private land in Patrick, located on the island’s west coast. Manx National Heritage confirmed that while similar artifacts have been found in Britain, Ireland, and France, this particular spoon is only the 28th of its kind ever recorded worldwide and the first to be found on the Isle of Man.
Allison Fox, Curator for Archaeology at Manx National Heritage, highlighted the rarity of the find, stating that Iron Age artifacts are uncommon, and bronze spoons from this era are especially scarce. Despite its simple description as a spoon, this object provides valuable insights into prehistoric life and suggests that ritualistic activities may have taken place on the island.
Purpose and Possible Ritual Use
The exact function of the spoon remains uncertain, but experts believe it was likely used in divination ceremonies. According to leading theories, such spoons were typically found in pairs. One of the spoons, marked with a cross, may have been used to hold a liquid, and the way the liquid spread across the divided sections could have been interpreted to predict future events. However, the full details of these rituals remain lost to history.
A Contribution to Heritage and Research
Both Rob Middleton and David, another contributor, generously donated the spoon to the Manx National Collections. Over the years, they have provided multiple artifacts, all of which are now available for further study. Fox expressed gratitude for their contributions, emphasizing that such discoveries help researchers uncover the traditions and beliefs of the island’s early inhabitants. This particular find reinforces the Isle of Man’s significance in the broader context of Iron Age rituals.
Public Exhibition
The ancient spoon has been entrusted to Manx National Heritage and will be displayed at the House of Manannan, beginning Friday, February 14, allowing the public to view this extraordinary piece of history firsthand.
