Archaeologists found a unique bronze spoon dating back to 2000 on the Isle of Man in Britain: what is interesting
On the Isle of Man in the United Kingdom, archaeologists have discovered a rare bronze spoon that was probably used by an Iron Age shaman to predict the future. Allison Fox, curator of archaeology at the Isle of Man National Heritage, noted that despite the simplicity of the object, it is a unique find that may indicate ritualistic rites in the area.
According to Live Science, this strawberry-shaped artifact is one of only 28 such finds in Europe and dates back to 400-100 BC. The purpose of such spoons is still a mystery. Two lines are engraved on the bowl of the artifact, forming a cross and dividing it into four parts. According to one version, liquid was poured into the spoon, and the sector it fell into could serve as a sign of the future.
Similar ritual spoons have been found in the UK, Ireland, and France. Some of them are kept in the British Museum, often in pairs: one has a carved cross, the other a small hole. It is believed that liquid (water, beer, or even blood) dripped from one spoon into the other, helping in divination. Since these objects are often found in graves, it is assumed that they could have belonged to shamans or served as personal items rather than being part of a funeral ritual.
The spoon found on the Isle of Man was the first such discovery in the region, which, according to Fox, confirms the island's participation in Iron Age ritual traditions.
The artifact is currently on display at the Manannan House Museum on the west coast of the island.
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