Oxfordshire red ware strainer
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This exhibit is probably Oxfordshire red ware, which was made from the middle of the 3rd century until close to the end of Roman occupation in the early 5th century. It was made in a range of forms and imitated Samian ware. This strainer was a kitchen utensil that would have been used in the same way as we use a colander.
It has a hard, fine textured fabric, and was wheel thrown. This type of pottery was widely distributed throughout Britain in the 3rd and 4th centuries and with the improved road network distribution increased and expanded in the 4th century.
Found at Brislington Roman villa site during the development of what is now Winchester Road in December 1899. The villa is contemporary with several others in the region, built about AD 270 as a working farm with workshops until destroyed by fire about AD 370.
Photographs exhibited with kind permission of Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, which has this in its collection (reference number Fb6908).
Material: ceramic
Period: Romano-British
Find spot: Winchester Road, Brislington. ST 616709
Exhibit contributed by Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Text written by Dawn Witherspoon, 2012
Photographer: Ken Taylor
Acquisition number: 120316b1