[1] It is thought to represent a boat, with its applied gold decoration signifying oars and waves, and either sun discs or circular shields.
[10] Gold lunulae from the Early Bronze Age Bell Beaker culture, including examples from Wales, have also been interpreted as representations of solar boats.
[3] In Ancient Greek poetry and art the 'Sun's vessel' is often depicted as a gold bowl, cup or cauldron that sails or flies across the sea.
[17][18] Gold bowls from the Eberswalde Hoard in Germany and from the Nordic Bronze Age also bear circular solar symbols.
[19] Similar symbols are found on the Berlin Gold Hat which are thought to represent a lunisolar calendar based on the 19-year Metonic cycle.