Le produzioni ceramiche da mensa di età basso medievale e moderna nella Contea di Molise: gli esempi della protomaiolica e della graffita policroma

The aim of the present research is, to discuss and clarify, through an interdisciplinary approach and focusing on the study of the tableware from different contexts of the region, the various factors that have participated in shaping the economic and social structures of the County of Molise in the late medieval and modern ages. A particular focus will be given to regional double-fired ceramic productions such as the protomaiolica and polychrome graffita coverings. These pottery classes appeared at different times in various contexts in southern Italy, and their study is essential for a full understanding of the various aspects related to the production and consumption of tableware in the peninsula. The introduction of new technologies linked to the production of proto-maiolica, and graffiti ware led to the beginning of a change in society’s taste, which influenced several aspects of daily life at that time. Considering the significance of the matter, it appears clear that a detailed study on tableware is fundamental for reconstructing the historical, economic and social dynamics of a territory and its relationships with neighbouring areas, as only partially highlighted by the first studies of the 1980s. In consideration of the lack of systematic studies on both ceramic classes, the important contribution of this research is to examine the unpublished ceramics coming from old excavations, extending the investigation to new pottery assemblages coming from recent archaeological research. We would like to point out that this work is deliberately focused exclusively on the study of ceramics in order to identify forms and decorations, both common and less common, which allow the identification of local production areas, channels of trade and main distribution routes of these products. Furthermore, except for the materials found during the excavations of the Department of Humanistic, Social and Educational Sciences of the University of Molise, for most of the ceramics coming from investigations carried out in the 1980s it was not possible to draw up a more in-depth discussion of all the discovery contexts examined since the relevant excavation documentation is not available. Taking into account not only the quantity of material available, but also the different typology and geographical area of ​​the context, were taken in exam the proto maiolica from the ex-episcopate and the cathedral of Boiano, the monastery of S. Maria delle Monache in Isernia and the castle of Santa Croce di Magliano; and the graffiti ware from the castle of Santa Croce di Magliano and the castle of Venafro.