Publication details

Hrnčířská pec ze druhé poloviny 13. století ze Žďáru nad Sázavou – Starého města

Title in English A pottery kiln from the second half of the 13th century in Žďár nad Sázavou - Staré Město (Czech Republic): Technological analysis of its batch
Authors

SLAVÍČEK Karel TĚSNOHLÍDKOVÁ Kateřina KOŠŤÁL Martin VÁCLAVÍKOVÁ Dominika TRNOVÁ Kristýna

Year of publication 2023
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source Archeologické Rozhledy
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Science

Citation
web https://archeologickerozhledy.cz/index.php/ar/article/view/225/227
Doi http://dx.doi.org/10.35686/AR.2023.28
Keywords Middle Ages; Bohemian-Moravian Highlands; Žďár nad Sázavou; pottery kiln; pottery production; petrography; XRF analysis
Description This study investigates a medieval pottery kiln and its fill excavated at a 13th-century settlement site near the Žďár Cistercian monastery. The short 30–40 year lifespan of the settlement provides valuable insight into how pottery was made and appeared in a chronologically specified timeframe of the mid-13th century. The kiln was a single-chamber type, either with an open-topped or domed superstructure with a very narrow stoking channel in terms of height. Technological analysis of the pottery inside the kiln points to consistent production techniques utilising a combination of coiling and early rotational devices with rapid firing practices. The interpretation of the forming technique is backed by 3D scanning, which quantifies the wall thickness variability over various vessel body parts. Cross-analysis with settlement finds shows a uniform ceramic morphology and technological nuances, with petrographic data suggesting both local and external material influences. The study enhances the understanding of the socio-economic dynamics during medieval colonisation based on the case of the Žďár region and provides a benchmark for regional ceramic research.

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