The results of the study of mass ceramics from the excavations at the medieval fortifi ed settlement of Ken-Bulun in 2022 (Chui Valley, Kyrgyzstan)

Abstract

The article presents the results of a thorough study of ceramic finds from the Ken-Bulun settlement of the Chuy region of Kyrgyzstan, obtained during the 2022 field season. Knowledge about the initial plastic raw materials has been extended: in addition to clay raw materials, there are indictors of the use of clay-like raw materials, such as loess. Two traditions of clay preparation were also recorded: wet and dry. Three traditions were revealed in the composition of the molding masses: one mixed and two unmixed. In addition, the information on the design of vessels has been clarified and supplemented: some of the products have signs of using mold-models. The study of the ornamentation was incomplete due to the fragmentary nature of the finds, so, the article provides data on the first level of technical and technological analysis – a description of the elements of the ornament and the definition of the type of tool used to create the ornament. The set of ceramic forms is quite extensive and includes cookingware, tableware, transport ceramics, as well as household items. The ornament and shapes of Ken-Bulun pottery bring them closer to the pottery assemblages from other settlements of the Chuy Valley, as well as Southern Kazakhstan.

Keywords

• archaeology
• petrography
• historical and cultural approach
• chuy valley
• karakhanid period
• ceramics/pottery
• pottery technology
• raw materials
• molding masses
• morphology