The Origins of Ceramic Technology at Dolni Věstonice, Czechoslovakia

TLDR

The study established a typology of over 5,000 ceramics, measured firing temperatures of 500–800 °C, and identified impurity‑initiated liquid‑phase sintering as the key mechanism. Radiography confirmed conjectured manufacturing methods, the artifacts’ composition matched local loess, fracture evidence of thermal shock indicates that making, firing, and occasional exploding of figurines were primary functions rather than producing durable portable objects.

Abstract

A typology was established for more than 5000 ceramic artifacts at Dolni Vestonice, Czechoslovakia. Conjectured methods of manufacture were confirmed by radiography. The compositions and mineralogy of the artifacts were identical to those of the local soil, loess. A firing temperature range of 500 degrees to 800 degrees C was measured and compared with those of hearths and kilns. The mechanism of sintering was impurity-initiated, liquid-phase sintering. Many fracture sections show evidence of thermal shock, although thermal expansion of the loess is low. The making, firing, and sometimes exploding of the figurines may have been the prime function of the ceramics at this site rather than being manufactured as permanent, portable objects.