Project title: Production and use of a luxury product from the 8th century: the Late Avarian yellow pottery

Researcher: Zsuzsa Mersdorf, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Ungarn

E- mail: mersdorf(at)archeo.mta.hu

Year: 2005

Abstract:

In the 8th century use began to be made in Hungary’s medieval homes of two types of ceramics – the coarse everyday ware that had always been used, and a fine yellow ware about which archaeologists still have many unanswered questions. An attempt will be made, through reconstruction and use of vessels of this fine type, to understand why this yellow pottery apparently was so important that it often followed its owners to the grave. The theory is that this fine ware was used to serve drinks. This will be tested – visitors are welcome to take part! – and compared with other drinking vessels from this time such as glass and terracotta. The results will be used to understand eating and drinking habits in the Middle Ages and the marked changes that occurred in these in the 8th century.

Reference number: HAF 14/05