The upcoming PCMA seminar will feature Aneta Cedro (Institute of Mediterranean and Oriental Cultures of the Polish Academy of Sciences) with a presentation: „All sherds count: A case study on the peculiar second life of potsherds from the medieval settlement in Banganarti (Sudan)”.
Abstract: This presentation explores the distinctive secondary use of potsherds from the medieval settlement of Banganarti, Sudan, a settlement and pilgrimage center that thrived from the 7th to the 14th centuries CE. The complex, multi-phased residential evolution posed significant challenges for archaeologists due to its complex stratigraphy and ongoing spatial metamorphosis. An additional challenge for the ceramologist was the fragmented nature of the ceramic material, which was primarily of secondary, waste origin.
However, this material provided interesting observations of the creative use of broken vessel fragments in a medieval settlement, demonstrating the importance of conducting detailed observations of all fragments and their statistical analysis. Exploring the various applications of potsherds in tool-making and other functional roles provides a glimpse into the daily lives and resourcefulness of Banganarti’s medieval inhabitants, showcasing their adaptive strategies within a resource- constrained environment.
The seminar will be held on Thursday, 30th October at 2 pm (Warsaw time) on the Zoom platform.
To receive the link, write to: seminarium.pcma@uw.edu.pl
The “Pot Talks – A multidisciplinary approach to ceramics from the African area and beyond” is a thematic series within the PCMA Seminar. It is organised by Dr. Katarzyna de Lellis-Danys (PCMA UW, and the National Museum in Warsaw). Lectures in this series include topics related to multidisciplinary ceramic research, which will enable participants to exchange experiences with researchers working in different parts of Africa and beyond.