Secondary Use of Ceramic Vessels in Ancient Khwarazm

Abstract

The paper deals with the results of the study of ceramics secondary use in ancient Khwarazm. The source base of the study includes the results of archaeological works carried out in the last century on the sites of ancient Khwarazm and the results of studies by the Karakalpak–Australian expedition on the Akshakhan-Kala fortified settlement. The issue of ceramics secondary use remained poorly covered in the scientific literature on the history and archaeology of the region for many years. The author analyzes the spheres of use of pottery shards, gives examples of the functional purpose of ceramic fragments. The author has determined that after the loss of direct functional purpose, ceramics were used in construction and repair of walls, improvement of settlements, manufacture of household items and in funeral rites. The state of ceramic items, subjected to secondary use, and their degree of processing are also highlighted.

Keywords

• archaeology
• ancient khwarazm
• akshakhan-kala
• ceramic fragments
• drainage system
• construction and repair of walls
• mizdakhan
• ossuaries
• spindle whorls