Highhays, Kilkenny: A Medieval Pottery Production Centre in South-East Ireland

This book provides a comprehensive study of the making and marketing of pottery in medieval Ireland, focusing on a 14th-century production center excavated at Highhays. It describes the kiln, workshops, and working areas, as well as the Highhays Ware products, such as jugs, jars, cooking pots, money boxes, and ridge tiles. It also presents an innovative plasma spectrometry and petrological analysis of the ware, identifying the source for the raw potting clays and exploring the cultural background and social status of potters in the Anglo-Norman colony.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Oxbow Books

This captivating book delves into the intricate world of pottery production and marketing in medieval Ireland, offering a comprehensive exploration of a well-preserved 14th-century pottery production center excavated in 2006 at Highhays, located outside the walls of the renowned Anglo-Norman town of Kilkenny in southeast Ireland. The authors present a detailed account of the kiln, workshops, and working areas of the site, along with an in-depth examination of its remarkable 'Highhays Ware' products, including jugs, jars, cooking pots, money boxes, and ridge tiles.

Among the remarkable outputs from the kiln site, the authors highlight the production of high-quality, wheel-thrown green-glazed jugs that bear close resemblance to French Saintonge and Bristol Redcliffe archetypes. The book meticulously details the distinctive processes, kiln-firing technology, and raw materials employed to create these and other wares found at the site. Furthermore, an innovative plasma spectrometry and petrological analysis of Highhays Ware sheds light on the source of the raw potting clays used in its production, as well as the broad distribution of the ware throughout the southeast of Ireland.

In addition to providing a detailed account of the Highhays site and its assemblage, the authors offer a broader perspective by presenting an overall review of the archaeological and historical evidence for pottery making and consumption in medieval Ireland. They also delve into the cultural background and social status of potters in the Anglo-Norman colony, further enriching our understanding of this fascinating period.

To support the analysis and interpretation of the Highhays site and its artifacts, the book features specialist and scientific contributions on various aspects of pottery, tiles, ceramic production material, metal finds, coins, and archaeobotanical findings. These contributions enhance our understanding of the craftsmanship, technology, and materials used in medieval pottery production and contribute to a deeper appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of Ireland during this period.

In conclusion, this richly illustrated book is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts interested in medieval history, archaeology, and cultural heritage. It provides a comprehensive study of the making and marketing of pottery in medieval Ireland, shedding light on the processes, technologies, and social context of this important industry. Through its detailed analysis and innovative approaches, the book offers a fresh perspective on the rich tapestry of medieval Ireland and its cultural interactions with neighboring regions.

Dimension: 297 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789258530