SPECIFICS OF SELECTION AND PREPARATION OF RAW MATERIALS BY BOLGAR POTTERS: PETHROGRAPHIC ANALYSIS RESULTS

Abstract

Technology issues are priority directions in the study of Volga Bolgaria pottery. Petrography significantly complements the results obtained using classical methods of archaeology. As results of the petrographic analyses of the I group of ceramics from Bolgar fortified settlement, data were obtained for the following three main parameters: clay matter, impurities (artificial and natural) and pore space. In the process, certain patterns were determined in terms of the use of various types of raw materials by Bolgar potters. A study of mineral impurities has allowed to draw conclusions about its sources. Various types of pore formations identified in thin sections of common Bolgar ceramics provide insight into the technology of drying and firing of the products. In general, petrography results confirm the earlier observations concerning the use of various types of raw materials and technological methods by the potters who crafted group I ceramics in Bolgar.