Handicraft Specialization of Homesteads in the Central Part of the Golden Horde Bolgar

Abstract

Archaeological studies of 2011–2020 in the central part of Bolgar fortifi ed settlement have allowed to identify the boundaries of urban estates of the second half of the 13th – early 15th centuries. The paper summarizes and presents an analysis of the spatial and stratigraphic distribution of the items characteristic of handicraft industries: raw materials, blanks, scrap, tools and production complexes (kilns). For the fi rst time, statistical data on such categories of objects as glass signet rings and stone molds are presented for this portion of the fortified settlement. It was the excavations of 2011–2020 where the maximum concentration of these categories of items was recorded (glass signet rings – 1674 pcs., mold casings – 67 pcs.). As a result, it was possible to localize handicraft production (copper foundry, jewelry, bone cutting, glass processing and amber processing) within the boundaries of specific estates. It was established that in most cases, craft workshops occupied the inner parts of estate territories.

Keywords

• archaeology
• medieval city
• golden horde
• town homestead
• handicraft
• amber
• foundry mold
• glassmaker workshop
• jewelry craft
• bone-cutting craft