White-metal strainer

Brent 1863, 316-7: The Spoon or Ladle.-This elegant relic is in excellent preservation. The handle, which is of silver, is perforated near the top, for the purpose of suspension, and bears running down it a delicate zigzag ornament. Its base spreads out to join the bowl, and is ornamented with six garnets set in gold foil on a projecting socket of silver of a crescent form, which ends at each point in a rude head of a bird or serpent. The bowl is of silver, washed with gold, and is riveted to the handle with a small round-headed stud, close to which is a hole, apparently for another. The centre of the bowl is pierced with nine little circular holes, arranged in the form of a cross: the small number of these seems to preclude the use of the spoon as a strainer, although it might well be employed for the aspersion of water, or other fluid required in sacrificial rites.Silver spoon or strainer. Lying around centre of body. Length 18cm. Bowl damaged. 2 garnet cloisons missing. Nielloed zig-zag design down handle.