Pottery Analysis, Second Edition: A Sourcebook

Just as a single pot starts with a lump of clay, the study of a piece’s history must start with an understanding of its raw materials. This principle is the foundation of Pottery Analysis, the acclaimed sourcebook that has become the indispensable guide for archaeologists and anthropologists worldwide. By grounding current research in the larger history of pottery and drawing together diverse approaches to the study of pottery, it offers a rich, comprehensive view of ceramic inquiry. This new edition fully incorporates more than two decades of growth and diversification in the fields of archaeological and ethnographic study of pottery. It begins with a summary of the origins and history of pottery in different parts of the world, then examines the raw materials of pottery and their physical and chemical properties. It addresses ethnographic and ethnoarchaeological perspectives on pottery production; reviews the methods of studying pottery’s physical, mechanical, thermal, mineralogical, and chemical properties; and discusses how proper analysis of artifacts can reveal insights into their culture of origin. Intended for use in the classroom, the lab, and out in the field, this essential text offers an unparalleled basis for pottery research. Just As A Single Pot Starts With A Lump Of Clay, The Study Of A Piece's History Must Start With An Understanding Of Its Raw Materials. This Principle Is The Foundation Of Pottery Analysis, The Acclaimed Sourcebook That Has Become The Indispensable Guide For Archaeologists And Anthropologists Worldwide. By Grounding Current Research In The Larger History Of Pottery And Drawing Together Diverse Approaches To The Study Of Pottery, It Offers A Rich, Comprehensive View Of Ceramic Inquiry. The New Edition Fully Incorporates More Than Two Decades Of Growth And Diversification In The Fields Of Archaeological And Ethnographic Study Of Pottery. It Begins With A Summary Of The Origins And History Of Pottery In Different Parts Of The World, Then Examines The Raw Materials Of Pottery And Their Physical And Chemical Properties. It Addresses Ethnographic And Ethnoarchaeological Perspectives On Pottery Production, Reviews The Methods Of Studying Pottery's Physical, Mechanical, Thermal, Mineralogical, And Chemical Properties, And Discusses How Proper Analysis Of Artifacts Can Reveal Insights Into Their Culture Of Origin. Intended For Use In The Classroom, In The Lab, And Out In The Field, This Essential Text Offers An Unparalleled Basis For Pottery Research. -- Back Cover. Pottery And Its History -- Clays : Origin And Definitions -- Plasticity : The Clay/water System -- Non-clay Constituents -- Drying And Shrinkage -- Changes In Clays With Heat -- Glazes -- Manufacture -- Surface Enhancements -- Firing -- Exchange And Household Provisioning -- Methods And Theories -- Classifications -- Characterization -- Quantification And Sampling Collections -- Color -- Mineral And Chemical Composition -- Physical And Mechanical Stresses -- Thermal Behavior -- Production I : Location -- Production Ii : Organization -- Production Iii : The Products -- Archaeothermometry -- Style And Social Interaction -- Functions And Forms -- The Humility Of Things. Prudence M. Rice. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 467-546) And Index. "Just as a single pot starts with a lump of clay, the study of a piece's history must start with an understanding of its raw materials. This principle is the foundation of Pottery Analysis, the acclaimed sourcebook that has become the indispensable guide for archaeologists and anthropologists worldwide. By grounding current research in the larger history of pottery and drawing together diverse approaches to the study of pottery, it offers a rich, comprehensive view of ceramic inquiry. The new edition fully incorporates more than two decades of growth and diversification in the fields of archaeological and ethnographic study of pottery. It begins with a summary of the origins and history of pottery in different parts of the world, then examines the raw materials of pottery and their physical and chemical properties. It addresses ethnographic and ethnoarchaeological perspectives on pottery production, reviews the methods of studying pottery's physical, mechanical, thermal, mineralogical, and chemical properties, and discusses how proper analysis of artifacts can reveal insights into their culture of origin. Intended for use in the classroom, in the lab, and out in the field, this essential text offers an unparalleled basis for pottery research."--Page 4 de la couverture