- Appearance, Life and Leisure -
suspended by a chain from the rafters, or from a tripod, would have been used in the
preparation of food on a regular basis.7^9 Its importance in practical terms is witnessed
by the number of times it is mentioned in histories, folklore and the legendary
exploits of the gods and heroes.8o Storage jars to keep dried fruits, berries and other
useful foodstuffs would not have been uncommon, though in areas lacking suitable
clays for potting, other materials such as wood for platters, bowls and boxes, wicker
for storage baskets, and soft stone which could be cut into bowls or saucers, would
be utilized. Drinking vessels could be small bowls, or made of animal horn whilst
tankards, such as the perfectly preserved Trawsfynydd (Merioneth) find, is another
instance of what the wealthier classes could afford as objects for use and display.81
The display of exotic imported vessels for the serving of wine or beer, at banquets on
formal occasions, was, as in classical lands, one aspect of conspicuous consumption.
The enthusiasm for wine drinking amongst the Gauls was particularly noted, and
is confirmed by the presence in south-east Britain of wine amphorae in the late iron
age burials (Figure 7.7).82 Beer was well known as a beverage, and drunk throughout
the Roman period, as is confirmed not only by finds from the potteries of Britain,
but also by the closely related silver example from the Villa Boscoreale.^83 Mead was
also made,84 though poorer families may have depended more heavily on milk, and
water.
Figure 7.7 The La nne III period rich burial found at Welwyn Garden City, Herts., in 1965
included five wine amphorae, pottery vessels, beads, fragments of glass bracelet, twenty-four
glass gaming-pieces and a wooden board, a silver cup and two bronze vessels, handles and
bindings for wooden vessels, an iron razor, studs and a 'straw' mat. The dating for the group
is most probably within the last quarter of the first century Be. (Copyright: The British
Museum, London.)(^107)