Abstract
Previous research has shown that there are many factors, such as vessel type, size, and function, producer skill, and market systems, that can influence pottery standardization/uniformity. In this paper, I use ethnoarchaeology to explore how the social and economic organization of the Gamo living in southwestern Ethiopia affects uniformity of pottery form and decoration. I compare uniformity at the community level to test our assumptions regarding potter specialization associated with potters who are full-time craft specialists living in a complex and highly stratified, caste society. In conclusion, I argue that distribution (i.e., market and patron-client) impacts the uniformity of pottery morphology and decoration.
Original language | American English |
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Journal | Default journal |
State | Published - Jan 1 2014 |
Keywords
- Ethnoarchaeology
- Ethiopia
- Gamo
- Pottery
- Standardization
- Uniformity
- Specialization
- Caste
Disciplines
- Anthropology
- Social and Behavioral Sciences