Insight into Ceramic Technologies at the Maikop Site of Ust-Dzheguta, Karachay-Cherkessia
Insight into Ceramic Technologies at the Maikop Site of Ust-Dzheguta, Karachay-Cherkessia
DOI: 10.17746/1563-0110.2019.47.2.013-023
M. Iserlis
German Archaeological Institute, Im Dol 2-6, Haus II, 14195 Berlin, Germany
The Maikop culture of the 4th millennium BC has long been recognized as one of the most intriguing phenomena in the archaeology and history of Eurasia. A pottery assemblage of Ust-Dzheguta, located on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus, should provide an insight into Maikop society and its technological and social choices. The article provides information on geographical location and geological settings of the Maikop site. Based on optical mineralogy analysis, potential raw materials and geological maps, fabrics and their possible geological sources were defined. The pottery assemblage exhibits technical and technological heterogeneity, including the use of a variety of raw materials and techniques. Correlation between types of vessels and fabrics is traced. Three Maikop pottery industries have been identified. Most of massive and sophisticated basins and pithoi were produced by highly skilled and specialized potters. The majority of vessels were manufactured by part-time potters. Cooking vessels were made as part of household production. The conclusion is provided about the established specialization in the pottery manufacture and preservation of household production.
