A copper alloy vessel deposition from Elewijt (Belgium): An interdisciplinary evaluation of its ritual context

During a rescue excavation in the (former) outskirts of the Roman small town or vicus of Elewijt (community of Zemst, Belgium), a deposit of copper alloy bowls was discovered containing plant remains preserved through contact with copper oxides originating from the corrosion of the artefacts. The most recent vessel was produced in the 3rd c. CE. An inscription on the bottom of one of the bowls mentions three names, possibly members of a family who deposited the vessels. The relevance of this ensemble for the understanding of private ritual practice in Roman Gallia is first evaluated by reflecting on the use of these copper alloy vessels prior to the deposition. Second, the botanical remains are analysed to investigate whether they were simply packaging material or whether the plants were intentionally selected as a decorative or spiritual component of the deposition, possibly in the form of a garland or a crown. The proposed interpretation of the group is not entirely conclusive but undoubtedly thought-provoking.