Soil, Hands, and Heads: An Ethnoarchaeological Study on Local Preconditions of Pottery Production in the Wei River Valley (Northern China)

Abstract

This study combines an analysis of archaeological remains, geographic background, and ethnoarchaeological research to gain insights into preconditions and processes of pottery making in northern China during the Yangshao period (5000–3000 BCE). Previous research on Neolithic ceramics from this region focused on typochronology while ethnoarchaeological research has largely been limited to southern China, where geology, geomorphology, and thus resource availability are entirely different. In this study, for the first time we connect ethnographic research in northern China with an analysis of local archaeological ceramics and raw material sources to gain insight into patterns of raw material choice, ceramic production and distribution, and their connection with geographic preconditions. In this fashion, we are able to show that potters, both past and present, systematically sought out suitable raw material and worked close to abundant water and clay resources and major routes of distribution. Standardization is shown to be a problematic concept as ceramic measurements may vary even in large-scale specialized production, but clay recipes and procedures may be standardized. It also becomes clear that in recent times, migrating or travelling potters are responsible for the spread of ceramic production techniques and types. Similar processes may have taken place in the past as well.

Keywords

• Ethnoarchaeology
• ceramics
• Middle Neolithic
• Yangshao
• China
• Wei River Valley