Counting pots in Early Neolithic Greece

Abstract

The present paper examines the quantity and function of the pottery found at the Greek Early Neolithic sites. Review of the quantitative, technological, typological, functional and contextual data suggest that Early Neolithic pottery was most probably a regular component of material culture. Thus, in contrast with the highly favoured hypothesis that Early Neolithic pots were used mainly for cult-related or socially related prospects, it is argued that pottery had, since this early period, a variety of functions. It is very probable that some vessels were used in ceremonies or were high-status objects. The majority of vessels, however, had an active role in daily life concerning the storage and transportation of supplies, the preparation of food (most probably excluding cooking) and the treatment of other raw materials.