Pottery

The Celts were extraordinary masters who introduced a potter’s wheel and made a large change in the number of ceramics produced, the method of production and the shapes of the vessels. The products were made of well purified earth. They introduced some elements of the indigenous population, which refreshed the choice of forms of vessels brought from Central Europe. Over time, using both the old and the new, they built a special style, which was unique to them, and ceramic production became more diverse and of higher quality.

Fine ceramic vessels were made of well-purified earth on a potter’s wheel. Their surface was light grey, which went in various shades to dark grey. In the second half of the 1st century BC, Celtic vessels of a pale reddish colour appeared from domestic workshops, more perfect than the previous ones in terms of shape.

Painted ceramic vessels from the 1st century BC had thin walls, red surface and were very well baked. On such a basis, at the height of the shoulders and belly of the vessel, there was a geometric ornament made in white or red.

Coarse vessels were made with a free hand, of insufficiently purified earth, with a dark black surface. Celtic master potters paid relatively little attention to the decoration of ceramic vessels. Their focus was on quality workmanship.

Gray ceramics were decorated with the technique of sanding, engraving, stamping and plastic ornaments.