Typology and décor of “roof tiles” from Western Ukraine

Abstract

This article explores one of the most widely spread types of architectural earthenware, namely roof tiles, which were used in constructing religious and secular buildings. Studying a large number of samples from the Western Ukraine has allowed the author to single out major typological groups and names of roof tiles. It has to be mentioned that in the 15th century roof tiles for churches and the city hall in Lvov were produced by local potters, and later they were bought abroad. Only in the late 19th century they started manufacturing roof tiles thanks to a renowned Lvov architect, philanthropist and businessman Ivan Levinsky who founded a special factory. Together with enterprises from Kolomyia, Drohobych and other cities in Galicia, he supplied his production for setting up roofs of various types. Types of roof tiles are determined by the technology, raw stuff, shape and functions. The color of roof tiles depends on the composition of clay and the method of its burning, so it differs from light yellow to red and black. The roof tiles were sometimes covered with tar, engobing or glazing. Some roof tiles have the stamped inscriptions in Latin or Cyrillic letters indicating the place of production or the name of the enterprise’s owner. The given article provides some examples of secular and household buildings of the late 19th c. with roof tiles that were discovered during the author’s trips and expeditions in the early 21st century.