Guests in the House. Cultural Transmission between Slavs and Scandinavians 900 to 1300 AD

Mats Roslund discusses the presence of Slavic visitors in the area corresponding to modern Sweden during the period 900-1300 AD. Ethnic and cultural identity are seen through the reproduction of a Slav style in every-day pottery. The interpretation is preceded by an introduction to Slav archaeology and cultural identity expressed in material culture. The focus is on a pottery type called Baltic ware. Baltic ware has traditionally been regarded as a purely Slavic product, reaching Scandinavia through trade and free-moving artisans or as a result of co-operation between Slavic and Scandinavian potters. The aim of the book is to capture the dynamics in the interaction, to distinguish regional differences between the two traditions and present a contextual interpretation.