Resilience of traditional pottery practices in the face of change: clay recipes and technological shifts in early medieval Southern Pannonia

Abstract

This study examines pottery production and technological shifts in the southwestern Pannonian Basin during the Early Middle Ages, focusing on the transition from Late Antiquity to the Early Medieval period, characterised by changes in social, cultural, and economic structures. The research targets two key settlement phases from the lowland region along the Drava River—one from the late 6th to early 7th century (Phase 1), and the other from the mid-7th to mid-8th century (Phase 2). By analysing ceramic samples from sites like Hlebine-Dedanovice and Torčec-Prečno pole I, the study investigates changes in raw material selection, tempering practices, and technological techniques, employing a techno-petrographic approach, including X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and optical microscopy (OM). These methods provide insights into how pottery production evolved, reflecting broader cultural adaptations in the region. The study also explores how traditional craft practices, particularly the handmade production of cooking pots, persisted even with the introduction of the potter's wheel, highlighting the resilience of local traditions. By addressing technological and cultural continuities and changes, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how local communities navigated transitions during this transformative period, offering a comprehensive view of the socio-cultural dynamics reflected in pottery production. This research contributes to the broader understanding of material culture and technological transitions in early medieval Europe.