The Sarmatian period cauldron of Avrămeni (Botoșani County). Notes on the diffusion, dating and use of this type of cauldron in the Pontic steppe

(Abstract)

The object of this article is to analyse  of the bronze cauldron removed from a barrow destroyed in 1942 subsequent to adjustment works performed on the road connecting Săveni commune to Avrămeni commune. The vessel shape is similar to that of a “bell” cast together with its handles and separately added biconical foot, the two parts being joined via a cast bronze peg. The vessel body still preserves several repair traces.

According to its features and specificities, the Avrămeni cauldron belongs to type II.1.B in S. V. Demidenko’s typology, being the single vessel of this type in the space between the Don and the Carpathians. The other similar exemplars originate from within the 2^nd – 1^st century BC complexes, situated on territories located to the left of the Lower Don and the Kuban region.

The author considers that the body shape, curving vertical handles each decorated with a knob as well as the manufacturing and the foot attachment manners indicate that the Avrămeni cauldron is an artefact mixing elements specific to Sauromatae cauldrons used in the Volga area and the Lower Don but also in the Kuban region, and that they date back to the 2^nd – 1^st century BC. The Avrămeni cauldron is the most Western discovery of vessels of the type and is evidence of their use until the mentioned chronological interval.

The author also notes that the Avrămeni vessel is, beside other finds, either an example of ancient continued casting traditions or the result of earlier production processes, yet still in use for a long period of time after their production cease.

Last but not least, the author concludes that its deposition might have occurred both over the course of the 2^nd century BC and the chronological interval between late 2^nd century – first decades of the 1^st century BC.