Copper Cauldron
A large copper cauldron was discovered less than 2 m from the copper pitcher and ring feature. Although not completely exposed during testing, certain attributes of the container were noted. The thin-walled container features a built-up rim, 8 cm high and 1 cm thick; the mouth of the cauldron is ca. 34 cm in diameter. Two heavy lugs (each 2 cm wide and 1 cm thick) are attached to thick straps at opposite sides of the shoulder, each of which are fastened to the body of the cauldron with two copper rivets. The lugs support the tapered ends of a heavy, solid copper handle (15 cm at the thickest part), which pass through the eyes of the lugs, but are bent back in opposing directions. The cauldron appears to have been mashed on the port outboard side, perhaps by the ship’s wrecking process. Although the metal is in good condition, several holes and tears in the thin body of the container were noted. One small copper rivet (08,753) was recovered during the testing, and the feature was reburied after being measured and documented. The close proximity of the pitcher and cauldron, both of which are cooking ware, suggests that this area of the bow was the location of the galley, which would have housed the ship’s cook stove and other related utensils.
Fig. 35. The handle and rim of a copper cooking cauldron, photographed insitu, appears as shiny and new as the day it was lost, over 400 years ago.
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