Some Aspects of the Interaction of Ancient Rus and Severians Pottery Traditions

Abstract

The article considers the issues of mutual influence of two pottery traditions in the production of tableware — the Ancient Rus and Romny cultures in the 10th — first half of the 11th centuries. Various theories of scientists dealing with this issue are analyzed and new materials of research of archaeological complexes in Sedniv and Liubech in Chernihiv Oblast are put into scientific circulation. The traditions of pottery are the most conservative during the existence of archaeological cultures. Technological techniques, vessel shapes, types of impurities, firing methods, surface ornamentation appear at its beginning and do not change. Radical changes occur only in the case of a certain external influence, and the massive one. Occupation of the Left Bank of the Dnipro River and, in particular, the Desna River region by the bearers of the Ancient Rus culture during the 10th century was such a factor. The technological traditions brought with them were adapted to local realities in different ways. The process of interaction between the two pottery traditions took place on different territories at different times — during the strengthening of the Rus influence on the Siverins. The expansion of the borders of Rus led to the emergence of the Ancient Rus pottery among the Siverins, and this led to experiments in the manufacture of the Romny culture utensils similar in shape and ornamentation to the Ancient Rus products. There appeared pots made of traditional for the Romny culture molding masses decorated with linear and wavy ornaments with a profiling on top similar to the Ancient Rus items. Such experiments did not last long and over time wheel-made ceramic ware completely replaced the traditional handmade one.