Rewinding Ceramic Traditions: A First Report on the Kuran Project in the Erbil Plain, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

This paper presents the preliminary field report of the Kuran Project (KuraP) developed within the framework of the Italian Archaeological Expedition in the Erbil Plain (MAIPE) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. KuraP seeks to document local traditions of clay and brick production that, while deeply rooted in the region’s history, are now rapidly disappearing. Through an integrated approach combining field interviews, conservation activities, as well as a remote survey and database management, the first field season was successful in recording artisanal practices and mapping their evolution from the late nineteenth century to the present. It also demonstrated the potential of oral histories and local expertise, which remain largely undocumented but are vital for recording and preserving the legacy of traditional crafts such as ceramic manufacturing. Collaboration with local potters and brickmakers facilitated the co-production of knowledge and strengthened community awareness of archaeological heritage. Finally, the conservation of ancient structures using traditional methods helped bridge past and present practices. These results highlight the value of integrating community engagement with archaeological research and open avenues for future work on intangible cultural heritage in the region.