Źródła nieceramiczne z początku wczesnego średniowiecza ze strefy chełmińsko-dobrzyńskiej

Abstract

Two stages of pottery development, corresponding to the structure of vessel assemblages, have been identified in the Chełmno-Dobrzyń region: an initial settlement stage (latter half of the 7th and early 8th century), characterised by a low level of occupation within this region, and a stage of intensified settlement activity (8th and 9th centuries), marked by significantly more dynamic development. In addition to analysis of pottery assemblages, detailed comparative studies have also been carried out on non-ceramic artefacts from this microregion. The material culture representing the onset of the early medieval period includes various categories of artefact made of bone, antler, clay and metals (Cnotliwy 1998, p. 366; Dulinicz 2001, p. 115). Antler combs and fittings, stone moulds, iron and bronze spurs as well as items of jewellery highlight the craftsmanship of their makers and point to their high material value. A small number of these artefacts are of similar form to items from reliably dated assemblages, and are, therefore, good chronological indicators.Some non-ceramic finds were produced at household level in unaltered form for many years because the raw materials needed to make them were readily available, or because they involved simple production processes that did not require specialist workshops. This category of find often still occured well into the early medieval period. It is difficult to determine whether exceptional artefacts (combs, spurs and decorative accessories) which could only be made by someone with the appropriate skills and a specialist workshop were made locally by a migrant craftsman or were imported. The category of finds presented herein does not resolve the issue of defining a more precise chronology for the assemblages which they represent; it does, however, confirm that they are related to the initial phase of the early medieval period.