Bolgar Coppersmith's Workshop at Rozhdestvensk Hillford in Perm Krai

Abstract

In order to commemorate F. Sh. Huzin’s anniversary, the author present the main information about a significant event in the medieval archaeology of the Volga-Kama region – the important discovery of a coppersmith’s workshop at Rozhdestvensk hillfort, a trading post of Bolgar craftsmen in Perm Krai. The workshop was founded in the 12th century by a coppersmith who had moved from Volga Bolgaria. It remained active until the second half of the 13th century. Located in a spacious frame-and- post structure with an area of over 200 square meters, it was subdivided by partitions into a housekeeping area, living quarters and the workshop. In this building, the coppersmith both worked and lived with his family. An analysis of the abundant material from the workshop (for the most part, production wastes – copper splashes, half-finished plates, plate clips, plate studs from all stages of production, etc.) makes one fully traced the technology of the coppersmith’s craft, as well as the variety of produced articles (cauldrons, household items, decorations, wire) and, to a certain extent, the set of tools almost identical to that of a blacksmith. The discovered accompanying everyday and household items reveal that the standard of the craftsman’s living was rather high and that he was literate (a stylos was found at the site). Undoubtedly, Bolgar craftsmen who came to dwell at the Rozhdestvensk hillfort (known in Arabic sources as the town of Afkula) did not only supply the locals with their production, but also promoted culture and raised living standards in the area.

Keywords

• archaeology
• perm krai
• the middle ages
• craft
• coppersmith’s craft
• coppersmith’s workshop