Description
Book SynopsisThe 1992 publication of Pottery Function brought together the ethnographic study of the Kalinga and developed a method and theory for how pottery was actually used. This book is designed to answer these questions using case studies from the author and his colleagues for applying use-alteration analysis to infer actual pottery function.
Trade ReviewFrom the reviews:
“James Skibo’s volume, Understanding Pottery Function, is a well-written and well-researched foray into the complex study of vessel use. … Skibo demonstrates through a number of case studies how fruitful partnerships between archeologists and chemists might be formed … . Case studies, in turn, form an integral part of this book and are one of its most pronounced strengths. … this book is a stand-alone beginners’ guide for determining vessel function … .” (Joshua R. Lieto, North American Archaeologist, Vol. 35 (2), 2014)
“Understanding Pottery Function builds on Skibo’s original 1992 book, Pottery Function. … I have no doubt that on reading this volume archaeologists will find that they look at pottery in a completely different light. It will provide them with a means to answer long-debated and seemingly unanswerable questions and also inspire them to ask new ones. Undoubtedly this volume will become a standard point of reference for pottery specialists. I certainly will return to it time and time again.” (Gareth Perry, Assemblage the Sheffield graduate journal of archaeology, November, 2013)
Table of Contents1. Understanding Pottery Function.- 2. Intended Function: Inferring Manufacturing Performance.- 3. Sooting and Carbonization.- 4. Attrition.- 5. Residue.
