Figurines made from terracotta and white clay, dating to late medieval period and early modern period, can be found in archaeology all over Europe. First figurines, recognized as children’s toys date to 12th century, and are connected especially to the aristocracy and higher class. Invention of one-part and two-part moulds led to mass production of clay figurines, making them accessible to other social classes. They were used in everyday life, as children’s toys, devotional figurines, trinkets or mementos from pilgrimages. Evidences of that are also visible in archaeology. Main centers of 15th century clay figurines production were established in cities of modern Netherlands and Germany, for example in Cologne, Utrecht, Frankfurt and others. Many archeological findings all over Europe testify of the
importance of these craftsmen. A few figurines from that period were also found in Slovenia.
|
