The Byzantine Barrel of Sutton River is considered a crematorium

Alice Cunningham

BBC News, Suffolk

Fragments of Byzantine barrels were found in various excavations at Sutton Hoo

Archaeologists say that a sixth-century Byzantine bucket was believed to be pieced together as a cremation ship.

The debris of the bucket was first discovered in Sutton Hoo, Suffolk in 1986, and more were discovered in 2012 and last year.

Archaeologists revealed that cremated human and animal bones were found at the bottom of the bucket, and the human remains are believed to be "important people" in the community.

National Trust archaeologist Angus Wainwright said he hopes further analysis will "discover more information about this very special funeral".

During excavation last year, fragments and combs of human remains were found at the bottom of the bucket.

After being discovered, the FAS heritage/national trust in human bone fragments and combs are depicted on Earth. Soil and dirt surround items. — During excavation last year, fragments and combs of human remains were found at the bottom of the bucket.

TV show Time Team discovered the bucket last year as part of a two-year research project that explored the site's earlier history with FAS Heritage and National Trust.

It is believed that copper alloy barrels are decorated with hunting scenes, decades before the famous Sutton Hoo ship and its treasures were buried at the site.

Human bones found in excavations last year include ankle bones and part of fragments of skull.

While there is no certainty, it is hoped that the owner's ancient DNA may survive the unburned comb that was discovered.

The found animal bones belong to species larger than pigs. Horses were often included in early Anglo-Saxon crematoriums as a mark of status.

The bucket foundation and comb will now be carefully conserved for further research and reconstruction.

The comb was found to be unburned, probably due to deer antlers

FAS Heritage/National Trust carefully observed the undamaged combs found on the ground during excavation. The size of the comb is displayed next to the black and white cylinder. — The comb was found to be unburned, probably due to deer antlers

"We know that this bucket was originally a rare and precious property of the Anglo-Saxon era, but it has always been a mystery why it was buried," Wainwright said.

“Now, we know that it is used to contain the remains of an important figure in the Sudtonhou community.

“I hope further analysis will reveal more information about this very special funeral.”

Angus Wainwright and Helen Geake say discoveries from humans and animals confirm that barrels are used as cremation containers

Luke Deal/BBC Angus Wainwright and Helen Geake stood on Sutton Hoo’s camera and smiled side by side. Mr. Wainwright has gray hair, grey beard and wears red wool. Ms. Geake has short gray hair and is wearing an olive green T-shirt with a navy hoodie on top. — Angus Wainwright and Helen Geake say discoveries from humans and animals confirm that barrels are used as cremation containers

Helen Geake, an Anglo-Saxon expert of the Times team, said the barrel’s “difficulty” was finally solved.

"It's an extraordinary mixture - a ship from the classical world in the south, with a very northern, very Germanic cremated remains."

“It represents the strangeness of Sutton Hoe – it has ship burial, burial, mound burial and now bathroom burial.

"Who knows what else it might have?"

You can see Time Team's Sutton Hoo on YouTube, one of which is a four-part documentary called "Sutton Hoo Dig".