Medieval Irish, Communal Drinking Cup or Mether, HCM 223

This mether is four sided (H 17.5) wooden cup with a separate disc-like base. The body of the vessel is carved from a single piece of wood and is decorated all round with incised bands and geometric, chevron-like decoration. There are four handles, of wood with deep lobes attached at the level of the base. At their base these handles continue and form four supporting stands to balance the cup. Bod…