THE «HOUSEHOLD OF CERAMIST 2» COMPLEX ON THE TRIPOLIAN GIANT-SETTLEMENT TALIANKI

Abstract

The Tripolian archaeological expedition of the Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine during 2018—2019, 2021—2022 explored a separate planographic unit of the settlement-giant Talianki which was named «Household of ceramist 2». The complex consists of five ground dwellings, one pottery kiln (G) and a place from a possible kiln, two large objects («pit-paddocks») and other objects of various purposes (small depressions, workplaces).
 Dwellings 54—56 consisted of two parts — a smaller entrance and a large residential one. The interior of the residential part is standard; the entrance framed with decor. Building 53 is characterized by its larger dimensions with an additional third room. The southernmost building 57 was much smaller, interior details almost not survived. At the lower floor of the building floor greases or pavements (buildings 53, 57), and depressions are found.
 The kiln «G» was located outside the residential area of the settlement near the northwestern part of pit 3. The kiln shape is close to rectangular with rounded corners. Kiln is two-chamber with vertically connected joints. The combustion chamber is separated from the burning compartment by a grid and coupled to warm air vents. This kiln is built of stones, clay and a significant number of pottery fragments. The geomagnetic anomaly corresponding to the characteristics of the kiln was located near the western side of pit 4. No visible remains of the kiln found at this location.
 Large pits 3, 4 were located on the line of deepened
 objects, which runs parallel to the line of ground buildings already outside the residential zone of the settlement. Each of the pits consisted of two depressions. Several stages of use recorded: selection of local clay for construction («toloka» / pit-paddock), use as dugout, repeated disposal of waste (debris of furnace vaults, defective products, ash and utility waste).
 A large number of ceramic fragments, bone and stone tools, anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figurines, fragments of models of houses, sledges, etc. are found inside and around the sites. The mass finding of ceramic items in pit 4 deserves special attention. These are 494 whole and fragmented clay items. In addition to the impressive amount of these items in one object, special attention is drawn to unfinished or damaged figurines, as well as prepared individual parts of future products and flattened lumps of clay. Given the large amount of this kind of «production waste», this complex may be considered as a workshop for the production of clay-plastics, and perhaps as a place of study.
 The discovered complex ought to be reconstructed as a place of residence for a large family group consisting of 4 small families, or a separate polygamous family. This social group specialized in the production of ceramic wares, serving a much larger social group.