Notes on medieval ceramics in the Upper Paiva. The contribution of the Carvalhais site (Vila Nova de Paiva, Viseu)

Abstract

This paper presents the study of the ceramic remains originated from a rescue excavation, carried out in 2015/2016, at the archaeological site of Carvalhais. Although the exhumed structures have not offered relevant information, the small pottery collection seems to allow some insights on the characterization of the material culture of the Early Middle Ages. From the brief ceramic study carried out, it is clear that there is some homogeneity in the set, most of its fabric is poorly depurated, contains a large number of non‑plastic inclusions and may correspond to local granitic pastes. The vessels reveal a reduced formal repertoire, with pots/pans, bowls and pitchers predominating. Based on the formal, technological, and stylistic characteristics of the pottery, without forgetting the macroscopic analysis of the fabric and surfaces, we have tried to contrast the collection with well known early medieval contexts with absolute dates.