Exhibit of the month – January 2026

CERAMIC VESSEL

Tell Karanovo, Nova Zagora Municipality, Sliven region

Late Neolithic, second half of 6th mill. BC

The year 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the first trench archaeological excavations and the 80th anniversary of the beginning of systematic studies of the Karanovo settlement mound.

The tell in the village of Karanovo is one of the most famous prehistoric sites in Southeastern Europe. It has a 12.40 m thick cultural layer, accumulated from successive settlements that existed at this place for more than four millennia (6th – 3rd millennium BC). The first archaeological studies in Karanovo were conducted in 1936-37 and in the period 1946-57 led by Vasil Mikov and Georgi Il. Georgiev. Layers from the Early, Middle, and Late Neolithic (Karanovo I – IV), Early and Late Chalcolithic (Karanovo V and VI), and Early Bronze Age (Karanovo VII) were identified.

From 1984 to 2011, new excavations were carried out in the southeastern part of the tell, led by Vasil Nikolov and Stefan Hiller. As a result, continuity between the different periods of the Neolithic was established and new phases were identified (Karanovo II–III and III–VI).

Archaeological research in Karanovo has provided the grounds for the development of the so-called Karanovo chronological system, which is the basis for the periodization of prehistoric cultures from the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Early Bronze Age not only in Thrace but also in the entire Southeastern Europe.

The ceramic vessel is shaped as a biconical jug (deep cup) with a rounded carination. It has vertical handle with a knob and four conical legs. The body is decorated with round pellets arranged in vertical bands. The surface is nicely polished. The vessel presents a unique combination of various features characteristic of the Late Neolithic pottery in the Upper Thracian Plain and the Karanovo ІІІ – ІV culture: the legs at the base of the vessels, the vertical handles with knobs, the applied decoration.

The ceramic vessel was discovered during archaeological excavations directed by V. Mikov in 1946.

The artefact is part of the permanent collection of the Museum and is on display in the Prehistory Hall.

Bibliography:

Георгиев, Г. И. 1960. Главни периоди в развитието на културата през неолита и медната епоха в България в светлината на най-новите археологически проучвания. – Swiatowit, 23, 1960, 309-339.

Николов, В. 2006. Култура и изкуство на праисто рическа Тракия. Пловдив, 2006.