Stone evidence from the ‘Doges Palace’. Stone technology and the production of architectonic elements and other stone artifacts in Antivari between the Late Medieval and Early Modern Age Stratigraphy of the Turkish phases of block 136 (the so-called ‘Doge’s Palace’) has revealed fragmented items of various typologies pertinent to the architectonic decoration of the Venetian phase of the building, in particular: stringcourse, window frames, and jambs. All these fragments have been catalogued and analysed and are presented here for the first time. Evidence related to the production and laying methods used for individual architectonic components retrieved from or still visible in UTCF 136 reveal evidence of construction procedures that are identical to those observed in other buildings within the town; including the choice of rock type used, the use of templates, the tools and techniques employed, type of decorative elements and the devices used for assembly and laying. Thus, these data confirm the circulation of common building strategies in the Adriatic area. Moreover, they demonstrate that the construction activities that transformed block 136 into a residential building of Venetian style involved a single building operation. Study of the stone evidence and masonry methods employed, aimed at defining the production processes and the various characteristics of the technical environment, has also included the analysis of artefacts not related to building construction, such as large containers used for alimentary produce, in particular olive oil. These items were made out of single limestone blocks, hollowed out with the aid of a large pointed instrument. To sculpt the external surface, initially the same pointed tool would have been used to obtain the rough shape of the outside of the vessel: a second finer tool endowed with a toothed blade would then also be introduced, finally replacing the first tool, to finish the surface using indirect strikes until wall thicknesses of 5 to 7.2 cm were obtained. The manufacturer marks on these vessels, of varying dimensions, reveal that they came from the same workshop, where the craftsmen were specialized in the production of stone objects. Identical containers can be found in the Muzeu Historik I Shkodres (Scutari, Albania). The study of block 136 has also involved an in-depht analysis of the aspects related to the stone technology employed in the production of building materials. In particular, the residual stonemasonry marks were studied in order to identify the types of tools used. The tools identified include a very large tool with numerous small teeth in its cutting edge used to strike the stone, defined by Bessac as percussion lancée oblique punctiforme. This “toothed marteline” undoubtedly constitutes a technological innovation that permitted stone surfaces to be straightened more easily, facilitating the work of quarry workers and at the same time optimizing the results in terms of time employed and the number of stone blocks generated. The tool was probably incorporated into civil building techniques in Antivari following its appearance un the city’s Late Medieval construction sites, like that of the church of St. Nicolas. The identification of such a tool is also significant considering the early presence of entire families of stonemasons/sculptors that was documented as early as the 14th century. Stone evidence from the ‘Doges Palace’. Stone technology and the production of architectonic elements and other stone artifacts in Antivari between the Late Medieval and Early Modern Age Stratigraphy of the Turkish phases of block 136 (the so-called ‘Doge’s Palace’) has revealed fragmented items of various typologies pertinent to the architectonic decoration of the Venetian phase of the building, in particular: stringcourse, window frames, and jambs. All these fragments have been catalogued and analysed and are presented here for the first time. Evidence related to the production and laying methods used for individual architectonic components retrieved from or still visible in UTCF 136 reveal evidence of construction procedures that are identical to those observed in other buildings within the town; including the choice of rock type used, the use of templates, the tools and techniques employed, type of decorative elements and the devices used for assembly and laying. Thus, these data confirm the circulation of common building strategies in the Adriatic area. Moreover, they demonstrate that the construction activities that transformed block 136 into a residential building of Venetian style involved a single building operation. Study of the stone evidence and masonry methods employed, aimed at defining the production processes and the various characteristics of the technical environment, has also included the analysis of artefacts not related to building construction, such as large containers used for alimentary produce, in particular olive oil. These items were made out of single limestone blocks, hollowed out with the aid of a large pointed instrument. To sculpt the external surface, initially the same pointed tool would have been used to obtain the rough shape of the outside of the vessel: a second finer tool endowed with a toothed blade would then also be introduced, finally replacing the first tool, to finish the surface using indirect strikes until wall thicknesses of 5 to 7.2 cm were obtained. The manufacturer marks on these vessels, of varying dimensions, reveal that they came from the same workshop, where the craftsmen were specialized in the production of stone objects. Identical containers can be found in the MuzeuHistorik I Shkodres (Scutari, Albania). The study of block 136 has also involved an in-depht analysis of the aspects related to the stone technology employed in the production of building materials. In particular, the residual stonemasonry marks were studied in order to identify the types of tools used. The tools identified include a very large tool with numerous small teeth in its cutting edge used to strike the stone, defined by Bessac as percussion lancée oblique punctiforme. This “toothed marteline” undoubtedly constitutes a technological innovation that permitted stone surfaces to be straightened more easily, facilitating the work of quarry workers and at the same time optimizing the results in terms of time employed and the number of stone blocks generated. The tool was probably incorporated into civil building techniques in Antivari following its appearance un the city’s Late Medieval construction sites, like that of the church of St. Nicolas. The identification of such a tool is also significant considering the early presence of entire families of stonemasons/sculptors that was documented as early as the 14th century. Stone evidence from the ‘Doges Palace’. Stone technology and the production of architectonic elements and other stone artifacts in Antivari between the Late Medieval and Early Modern Age Stratigraphy of the Turkish phases of block 136 (the so-called ‘Doge’s Palace’) has revealed fragmented items of various typologies pertinent to the architectonic decoration of the Venetian phase of the building, in particular: stringcourse, window frames, and jambs. All these fragments have been catalogued and analysed and are presented here for the first time. Evidence related to the production and laying methods used for individual architectonic components retrieved from or still visible in UTCF 136 reveal evidence of construction procedures that are identical to those observed in other buildings within the town; including the choice of rock type used, the use of templates, the tools and techniques employed, type of decorative elements and the devices used for assembly and laying. Thus, these data confirm the circulation of common building strategies in the Adriatic area. Moreover, they demonstrate that the construction activities that transformed block 136 into a residential building of Venetian style involved a single building operation. Study of the stone evidence and masonry methods employed, aimed at defining the production processes and the various characteristics of the technical environment, has also included the analysis of artefacts not related to building construction, such as large containers used for alimentary produce, in particular olive oil. These items were made out of single limestone blocks, hollowed out with the aid of a large pointed instrument. To sculpt the external surface, initially the same pointed tool would have been used to obtain the rough shape of the outside of the vessel: a second finer tool endowed with a toothed blade would then also be introduced, finally replacing the first tool, to finish the surface using indirect strikes until wall thicknesses of 5 to 7.2 cm were obtained. The manufacturer marks on these vessels, of varying dimensions, reveal that they came from the same workshop, where the craftsmen were specialized in the production of stone objects. Identical containers can be found in the MuzeuHistorik I Shkodres (Scutari, Albania). The study of block 136 has also involved an in-depht analysis of the aspects related to the stone technology employed in the production of building materials. In particular, the residual stonemasonry marks were studied in order to identify the types of tools used. The tools identified include a very large tool with numerous small teeth in its cutting edge used to strike the stone, defined by Bessac as percussion lancée oblique punctiforme. This “toothed marteline” undoubtedly constitutes a technological innovation that permitted stone surfaces to be straightened more easily, facilitating the work of quarry workers and at the same time optimizing the results in terms of time employed and the number of stone blocks generated. The tool was probably incorporated into civil building techniques in Antivari following its appearance un the city’s Late Medieval construction sites, like that of the church of St. Nicolas. The identification of such a tool is also significant considering the early presence of entire families of stonemasons/sculptors that was documented as early as the 14th century.
Reperti lapidei dall'isolato 136. Litotecnica e produzione di elementi architettonici e altri manufatti lapidei ad Antivari tra basso Medioevo e prima età Moderna.
Riccardo Belcari
2013-01-01
Abstract
Stone evidence from the ‘Doges Palace’. Stone technology and the production of architectonic elements and other stone artifacts in Antivari between the Late Medieval and Early Modern Age Stratigraphy of the Turkish phases of block 136 (the so-called ‘Doge’s Palace’) has revealed fragmented items of various typologies pertinent to the architectonic decoration of the Venetian phase of the building, in particular: stringcourse, window frames, and jambs. All these fragments have been catalogued and analysed and are presented here for the first time. Evidence related to the production and laying methods used for individual architectonic components retrieved from or still visible in UTCF 136 reveal evidence of construction procedures that are identical to those observed in other buildings within the town; including the choice of rock type used, the use of templates, the tools and techniques employed, type of decorative elements and the devices used for assembly and laying. Thus, these data confirm the circulation of common building strategies in the Adriatic area. Moreover, they demonstrate that the construction activities that transformed block 136 into a residential building of Venetian style involved a single building operation. Study of the stone evidence and masonry methods employed, aimed at defining the production processes and the various characteristics of the technical environment, has also included the analysis of artefacts not related to building construction, such as large containers used for alimentary produce, in particular olive oil. These items were made out of single limestone blocks, hollowed out with the aid of a large pointed instrument. To sculpt the external surface, initially the same pointed tool would have been used to obtain the rough shape of the outside of the vessel: a second finer tool endowed with a toothed blade would then also be introduced, finally replacing the first tool, to finish the surface using indirect strikes until wall thicknesses of 5 to 7.2 cm were obtained. The manufacturer marks on these vessels, of varying dimensions, reveal that they came from the same workshop, where the craftsmen were specialized in the production of stone objects. Identical containers can be found in the Muzeu Historik I Shkodres (Scutari, Albania). The study of block 136 has also involved an in-depht analysis of the aspects related to the stone technology employed in the production of building materials. In particular, the residual stonemasonry marks were studied in order to identify the types of tools used. The tools identified include a very large tool with numerous small teeth in its cutting edge used to strike the stone, defined by Bessac as percussion lancée oblique punctiforme. This “toothed marteline” undoubtedly constitutes a technological innovation that permitted stone surfaces to be straightened more easily, facilitating the work of quarry workers and at the same time optimizing the results in terms of time employed and the number of stone blocks generated. The tool was probably incorporated into civil building techniques in Antivari following its appearance un the city’s Late Medieval construction sites, like that of the church of St. Nicolas. The identification of such a tool is also significant considering the early presence of entire families of stonemasons/sculptors that was documented as early as the 14th century. Stone evidence from the ‘Doges Palace’. Stone technology and the production of architectonic elements and other stone artifacts in Antivari between the Late Medieval and Early Modern Age Stratigraphy of the Turkish phases of block 136 (the so-called ‘Doge’s Palace’) has revealed fragmented items of various typologies pertinent to the architectonic decoration of the Venetian phase of the building, in particular: stringcourse, window frames, and jambs. All these fragments have been catalogued and analysed and are presented here for the first time. Evidence related to the production and laying methods used for individual architectonic components retrieved from or still visible in UTCF 136 reveal evidence of construction procedures that are identical to those observed in other buildings within the town; including the choice of rock type used, the use of templates, the tools and techniques employed, type of decorative elements and the devices used for assembly and laying. Thus, these data confirm the circulation of common building strategies in the Adriatic area. Moreover, they demonstrate that the construction activities that transformed block 136 into a residential building of Venetian style involved a single building operation. Study of the stone evidence and masonry methods employed, aimed at defining the production processes and the various characteristics of the technical environment, has also included the analysis of artefacts not related to building construction, such as large containers used for alimentary produce, in particular olive oil. These items were made out of single limestone blocks, hollowed out with the aid of a large pointed instrument. To sculpt the external surface, initially the same pointed tool would have been used to obtain the rough shape of the outside of the vessel: a second finer tool endowed with a toothed blade would then also be introduced, finally replacing the first tool, to finish the surface using indirect strikes until wall thicknesses of 5 to 7.2 cm were obtained. The manufacturer marks on these vessels, of varying dimensions, reveal that they came from the same workshop, where the craftsmen were specialized in the production of stone objects. Identical containers can be found in the MuzeuHistorik I Shkodres (Scutari, Albania). The study of block 136 has also involved an in-depht analysis of the aspects related to the stone technology employed in the production of building materials. In particular, the residual stonemasonry marks were studied in order to identify the types of tools used. The tools identified include a very large tool with numerous small teeth in its cutting edge used to strike the stone, defined by Bessac as percussion lancée oblique punctiforme. This “toothed marteline” undoubtedly constitutes a technological innovation that permitted stone surfaces to be straightened more easily, facilitating the work of quarry workers and at the same time optimizing the results in terms of time employed and the number of stone blocks generated. The tool was probably incorporated into civil building techniques in Antivari following its appearance un the city’s Late Medieval construction sites, like that of the church of St. Nicolas. The identification of such a tool is also significant considering the early presence of entire families of stonemasons/sculptors that was documented as early as the 14th century. Stone evidence from the ‘Doges Palace’. Stone technology and the production of architectonic elements and other stone artifacts in Antivari between the Late Medieval and Early Modern Age Stratigraphy of the Turkish phases of block 136 (the so-called ‘Doge’s Palace’) has revealed fragmented items of various typologies pertinent to the architectonic decoration of the Venetian phase of the building, in particular: stringcourse, window frames, and jambs. All these fragments have been catalogued and analysed and are presented here for the first time. Evidence related to the production and laying methods used for individual architectonic components retrieved from or still visible in UTCF 136 reveal evidence of construction procedures that are identical to those observed in other buildings within the town; including the choice of rock type used, the use of templates, the tools and techniques employed, type of decorative elements and the devices used for assembly and laying. Thus, these data confirm the circulation of common building strategies in the Adriatic area. Moreover, they demonstrate that the construction activities that transformed block 136 into a residential building of Venetian style involved a single building operation. Study of the stone evidence and masonry methods employed, aimed at defining the production processes and the various characteristics of the technical environment, has also included the analysis of artefacts not related to building construction, such as large containers used for alimentary produce, in particular olive oil. These items were made out of single limestone blocks, hollowed out with the aid of a large pointed instrument. To sculpt the external surface, initially the same pointed tool would have been used to obtain the rough shape of the outside of the vessel: a second finer tool endowed with a toothed blade would then also be introduced, finally replacing the first tool, to finish the surface using indirect strikes until wall thicknesses of 5 to 7.2 cm were obtained. The manufacturer marks on these vessels, of varying dimensions, reveal that they came from the same workshop, where the craftsmen were specialized in the production of stone objects. Identical containers can be found in the MuzeuHistorik I Shkodres (Scutari, Albania). The study of block 136 has also involved an in-depht analysis of the aspects related to the stone technology employed in the production of building materials. In particular, the residual stonemasonry marks were studied in order to identify the types of tools used. The tools identified include a very large tool with numerous small teeth in its cutting edge used to strike the stone, defined by Bessac as percussion lancée oblique punctiforme. This “toothed marteline” undoubtedly constitutes a technological innovation that permitted stone surfaces to be straightened more easily, facilitating the work of quarry workers and at the same time optimizing the results in terms of time employed and the number of stone blocks generated. The tool was probably incorporated into civil building techniques in Antivari following its appearance un the city’s Late Medieval construction sites, like that of the church of St. Nicolas. The identification of such a tool is also significant considering the early presence of entire families of stonemasons/sculptors that was documented as early as the 14th century.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
