Sinker to net

A clay weight discovered during archaeological research in Szczecin's Podzamcze between wooden constructions of early medieval fortifications. Clay net weights, also called sinkers, were used during non-water fishing, which consisted of scooping fish into a net stretched between boats. The net was kept afloat by light floats of various shapes and sizes made from bark or wood, while clay or stone weights held it upright. Clay perches had to be very well fired; otherwise, they would have disintegrated on contact with water. This type of object occurs relatively often in the archaeological material, especially in centres located by rivers and bodies of water. They are most often accompanied by other objects connected with fishing, such as floats, braces for pulling nets and pliers for making and repairing them. The Szczecin badge is damaged. It was fired in a reducing atmosphere (without oxygen during firing), thanks to which the clay has a characteristic grey colour.

Sławomir Słowiński