Banquet of elites: Hallstatt Period hoard with vessels and iron cauldron hanger of Kralice na Hané in Moravia (CZ)
Abstract
The Hallstatt hoard from Kralice na Han'e, containing eight bronze vessels, iron hanger for cauldrons and two iron heads of supporting rods used in fire pits, represents a unique evidence of deposition of luxury items from the period of 625-500 BCE (Ha D1-D2) in the Czech Republic. The hanging assembly for cauldrons and the supporting heads do not have any known analogies in the Hallstatt Period and constitute the oldest find of its kind to the North of the Alps.
The bronze vessels are also unique in their own way, there are no analogies to the ladles with levered handles, and bowls with what is known as omphalos are very rare. The detailed analysis of the hoard reveals the social roots of the owners.
They were probably members of the elite class. Chemical analysis proved the presence of animal fat residue in the bronze vessels.
The possible usage of the vessel is discussed in the details. Additionally, the three sequences of the existence of the set, i.e. - origins of the set, predisposition processes of the set and the background of its placement in the proximity of a magnate homestead in the centre of the Platvenice group of the East Hallstatt culture in Central Moravia, are described.
Authors are suggesting the use of luxurious set in the banquet of elites combined with prolonged burial ceremony.