Investigating Variation in Organization of Ceramic Production: An Ethnoarchaeological Study in Guizhou, China

Abstract

This paper discusses variation in the organization of ceramic production among family specialists who use a fast wheel technology in south-central Guizhou, China. There is considerable variation in intensity, output, and scale among potting households in two communities. The paper evaluates the utility of two kinds of potential material indicators for this variation: 1) spatial organization for different steps in production (forming vessels, preparing clay, drying vessels, firing), and 2) degree of vessel uniformity. Although degree of uniformity of vessels does vary with intensity for some dimensions, other factors such as experience of the potter and consumer demand need to be considered. Material features of production areas are more obvious indicators of variation in intensity and output.