About two ceramic vessels from archaeological research in Kujawy

Abstract

In the area of Kujawy in the villages of Janiszewo, commune Lubraniec, and Stawiec, commune Lubanie, archaeological excavations of manors were carried out of which no relic remains on the face of the earth. Most likely, in the 18th century, both fell into ruin and the places where they were located became arable land, cultivated to this day. Two ceramic jugs were found in the buildings of the early modern period. These monuments are a unique example of old craftsmanship due to the decorative motifs that covered the surface of the vessels. The jug from Janiszewo contains the unique “signature” of the manufacturer in the form of a schematic drawing of the equipment of a pottery workshop painted with engobe paint. It consists of a drawing of a spun potter›s wheel with a jug placed on it and wooden dies for forming stove tiles placed above, probably hung on the wall. The vessel from Stawiec was decorated with an engraved ornament and a coating of green icing. The drawing shows three vines hung with plump clusters, among which there are several small birds eating fruit and two much larger birds. It is an owl and a bird from the Galidae family (caillie?). A wine jug with such decoration had not only aesthetic values. The narrative presented therein could have several meanings addressed to lovers of the poured drink.