CRUCIBLE

Ceramic crucible of probable later Medieval or early post medieval date (1200-1600 AD). The crucible is incomplete and been abraded by flowing water creating smooth rounded edges to the profile. In plan the crucible is irregular; originally it would have been broadly circular, now it is an irregular ellipse. In profile it is an irregular sub-rectangular shape with a relatively narrow base which expands to an open mouth. The water worn damage present has affected one edge more than the other and so diameter of the base and mouth cannot be truly estimated. The fabric is extremely hard with frequent angular and sub-angular quartz inclusions. The fabric also contains considerable inclusions of mica / sand. The fabric colour is a uniform mid grey colour. The outer surface of the crucible has an abraded blackened soot like deposit adhering to both the unabraded sides and base. This is caused by the repeated heating over a fire / furnace. The crucible measures 54.5mm length, 46.7mm width, 27.7mm thickness and weighs 75.5 grams. The mouth of the crucible has also been affected by abrasion; originally the recess bowl shaped area would have been relatively deep with sloping sides set at an angle of approximately 70°. At the base of the bowl the surface is relatively uneven with a slightly concave surface that slopes to a central point. The remains of the inner bowl measures 35.7mm length, 31.5mm width, and has a maximum depth of 11.3mm. The side walls of the crucible are very thick, with a maximum thickness of 11.5mm. The contents of the crucible have only been partially preserved, being removed by combination of factors. What remains is a mid black / green coloured glassy material which is friable and globular in nature. This material has been analysed by Mary Davies, Conservator for the National Museum and Galleries of Wales, Cardiff using a Scanning Electron Microscope. A full detailed analytical report of the material is pending, however, she has suggested that the material within has a high zinc content which is paralleled in metalwork of the later medieval and post medieval periods. Her interpretation of the results is supported by Dr Mark Redknap (Curator of Medieval Collections: National Museum and Galleries of Wales, Cardiff) who suggests that shape and style of the crucible is similar to those found in excavations of medieval and later post medieval industrial sites in Wales and the UK. Thanks are extended to both Mary Davies and also Mark Redknap for their time and expertises. Thanks are also extended to Mr Mark Lodwick for arranging for the analysis of this crucible.