Archaeologists working in the Danube Delta have discovered two monumental bronze cauldrons featuring covellite-studded handles. The covellite, a rare copper sulfide known for its deep indigo and iridescent blue color, was used to decorate the vessels intended for the 'Festival of the River-Thaw,' a Bronze Age communal feasting event held when the Danube ice broke each spring.
The scale of the cauldrons suggests they could feed an entire village, highlighting the communal nature of ancient food festivals in the Black Sea region. The discovery of fish remains and aquatic herbs within the vessels indicates that the celebration centered around the first catch of the season and the safe return of river navigation.