Selection of raw material through the history of pottery production in Istria (Croatia): social implications of paste variability

Abstract

This study investigates the pottery production traditions of Istria, a historically significant region on the northern Adriatic, known for its continuous ceramic practices from prehistoric times through the 20th century. The research focuses on the variability in clay selection and paste-processing techniques at four sites in eastern Istria—Rakalj, Old Rakalj, Šiljar, and Saint Theodore—spanning different historical periods, from the Early Bronze Age to the Late Medieval period, including traditional pottery practices of the 20th century. By applying a multi-analytical approach (optical microscopy, XRPD, ICP-ES, and ICP-MS), the study aims to assess the extent to which pottery raw material choices were influenced by broader technological and social dynamics in the region. The findings indicate that pottery production was largely shaped by environmental factors, with a clear preference for locally sourced materials, such as terra rossa, and specific tempers, including calcite and grog. While the use of local resources predominated, evidence of non-local clays suggests active trade networks, particularly during the Bronze Age. Variations in material use across different periods reflect shifts in technological traditions and broader social changes, although core practices—such as the use of calcite as a temper—persisted over millennia. These results highlight the resilience of traditional pottery practices in Istria and offer insights into the region’s socio-cultural homogenity amid shifting historical contexts.