L’influence byzantine sur la production céramique du Haut Moyen Âge en Bulgarie
Byzantine influence on early medieval ceramic production in Bulgaria

Summary/Abstract: The ceramic production of the High Middle Ages on the scale of the current territory of northern Bulgaria is at the centre of the concerns of many researchers who study the ceramic traditions of the Slavs and Proto-Bulgarians from the angle of possible influences on the forms and local decorations suffered by the Avar or Eastern Khaganate. However, the alleged process of transferring Byzantine influences, often taken for granted, has not yet been thoroughly investigated. The many technological data recently acquired on the ceramic material of cemeteries and habitats seem favorable, despite their preliminary nature, to such an approach. The ceramic assemblage of northeastern Bulgaria and Dobruja is characterized by a repertoire of varied ceramic forms dominated by pots with two handles, bowls and jugs which are part of the continuity of the repertoire of the area- source. However, towards the end of the 8th century, the technological data of the ceramic material show an important variability: the archaeological sequence is enriched by a new ceramic facies - the jug in the shape of an amphora (amphoridion), whose appearance can be attributed to local influences on provincial Byzantine productions. The emergence and spread of the amphora-shaped jug also marked the emergence of certain new techniques such as engobing. After the campaign of John I Tzimiskes in 971, significant changes were manifested in the material culture of the Bulgarian settlements. Ceramic productions of Byzantine origin, such as pots, jugs, amphorae, make their appearance. This fact finds its place in the publications, but the authors do not pay attention to certain characteristics of the considered pottery, which reflect the will of the local masters to reproduce typical Byzantine forms. The production process is markedly different from that of the Byzantine workshops. These vessels are formed on a slow potter's wheel, the quality of firing is not better which leads us to the conclusion that these are ceramic productions designed by local workshops.

• Details
• Contents