IFAO

The medieval period is one of the least studied areas of Egyptian archaeology. Only at very few sites have remains of the post 10th century period been systematically investigated so far. As a consequence, the pottery of the medieval period is among the least known of Egypt.

In September 2014 we organized a workshop on the pottery of the Early Medieval Period (7th – 10th century). The workshop was not only very informative, it showed we believe that interest in the pottery of the post-antique period is slowly increasing and we have a real chance at clarifying some basic questions about the pottery production in Egypt during this period. Building on the success of our first workshop, we organized a second workshop, entitled “Medieval Pottery in Egypt (10th – 16th century AD)”, to be held at the German Archaeological Institute (DAI) and the French Institute (IFAO) on April 13-14, 2016.

Medieval pottery in Egypt largely remains a terra incognita, reflecting the paucity of properly conducted excavations at sites of this period. The aim of this second workshop will be to identify the range of data we already have, to discuss some of the major issues in the study of medieval pottery in Egypt and hopefully to work toward gaining an overview of the development of pottery production from the Fatimid, Ayyub and Mameluk periods. Even less then at our first meeting we aim not only for an understanding of fine wares (lustre wares etc.) but of the whole range of pottery production (shapes, fabrics, technology and uses of the ceramics). Particularly we would like to discuss developments in containers for storage and transport, in cooking vessels and in table wares, reflecting changes in medieval society, economy and cultural habits. Another aspect to be discussed is the role of trade, both on a regional and an international level.

In order to facilitate a working atmosphere, the workshop will not be held in public.

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