The focus of this section concerns the ways in which archaeologists can study prehistoric pots to understand how they were used. Knowing how a pot was used, getting at its function, is important for reconstructing the environmental, social, and ideological aspects of food consumption in a prehistoric society. There are three main approaches to ascertaining ceramic function that will be discussed here. These include 1) vessel form or morphology, 2) vessel performance, and 3) ceramic use-alteration. It should be noted that while each method alone may produce interesting results, the best studies encompass more than one approach to strengthen inferences regarding how a vessel was used in prehistory.

Ceramic Form and Function

1. Generalizations and Problems:

In general, as a potter makes a vessel, she/he forms it with an intended use in mind. For this reason, the morphology of a vessel, its size and shape, can be analyzed to understand how it was used. For example, if a potter needs a vessel for transporting water, she/he will likely make one with a restricted neck and small opening. The restricted neck and small opening are morphological characteristics that make this type of vessel better suited for transporting liquid than for example, a bowl, which, with its wide opening, would allow water to spill out. The morphological characteristics of an archaeological assemblage of ceramics, then, can be studied to understand how the vessels functioned. One problem with this approach, however, is that function can only be inferred at a very general level. We can look at a prehistoric bowl and know that it was likely used for serving, but exactly what was being served is difficult to ascertain. In addition, morphological characteristics only allow us to get at how vessels were intended for use by their makers, but not how they were actually used in social contexts. Fortunately, use alteration studies (see Use Alteration discussion below) allows for a more detailed understanding of the actual function of prehistoric vessels.

2. Examples

     a) Serving Bowls

Figure 2.2.1  Decorated bowls such as this one are typically thought of as serving vessels. This particular bowl is a Hopi stew pot. Bowls generally have large openings so that their contents can be easily be removed using scoops, spoons, ladles, or similar implements. The small size of this bowl suggests that it was used for individual-sized servings.

     b) Cooking Pots

Figure 2.2.2  This Kalinga pot from the Philippines was used for cooking rice. The size and shape of this vessel, notably its wide mouth, make it highly suitable for cooking. Also note the soot around the outside of the pot, a telltale sign that this pot was used over a fire.

     c) Storage Vessels

Figure 2.2.3  The restricted neck and small mouth on this prehistoric jar from Pine Flat Cave, Arizona suggests that it was used for storage. A lid would have easily fit on the mouth of the vessel preventing bugs and rodents from disturbing the vessel's contents.

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