Reconsidering Ceramics and Trade Using Big Data: The Significance of Stoneware Distribution in the Low Countries, 1200-1600

This article sets out to map and explain the distribution of stoneware in the Low Countries during the period 1200-1600, using a selection of over 500 assemblages representing 30,000+ vessels (now available online: see Appendix 1). This exceptionally big dataset generates solid evidence for the distribution of stoneware outwards from an epicentre: the closer a town was situated to a stoneware production centre in the Meuse-Rhine area, the more frequent the appearance of stoneware. It also shows clearly how the ceramic record reflects the effect of contemporary trade routes: Langerwehe products were distributed along the Meuse and are most common in towns close to this river, while stonewares from Siegburg/Bruhl are dominant in towns connected with the Rhenish network. Documentary evidence is used to demonstrate how the inland occurrence of Rhenish stoneware is also governed by the Rhenish wine trade network extending from Cologne to Nijmegen and beyond, and how changing patterns in consumer demand affected this trade. Finally, some suggestions are made for future research.